Jon Gruden will remain at ESPN

ByCHRIS MORTENSEN
December 8, 2013, 12:32 PM

— -- The Houston Texans would be interested in Jon Gruden as a candidate to fulfill owner Bob McNair's quest for an experienced NFL head coach to replace Gary Kubiak. But McNair shouldn't expect those feelings to be reciprocated.

Gruden will remain with ESPN through at least the 2014 season, the former Super Bowl-winning coach has confirmed.

"I'm just trying to do my job," Gruden said. "I'm not going to address every little rumor or supposed conversation that takes place, according to these so-called sources.

"There are a lot of good coaches out there available to coach these teams. I'm just hoping ESPN likes the the job I'm doing. That's my focus."

Gruden has a strong commitment to continue as the "Monday Night Football" analyst, his popular quarterback camp series and his outreach to consult high school coaches.

Other notable former head coaches who still have no plans to return to the sideline include Bill Cowher and Tony Dungy.

The Texans, who own the NFL's worst record at 2-11, fired Kubiak on Friday, one day after losing their franchise-record 11th consecutive game.

Gruden, who has worked at ESPN since 2009, compiled a 95-81 record in 11 seasons with the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He reached the playoffs five times and coached the Buccaneers to the only Super Bowl championship in franchise history.