SPORTS
CHUCKIE POWER by James Johannessen
I’m sure by now everyone is very tired of hearing how good or bad Jon Gruden will be for the future of the Bucs. Gruden Goods Most fans don’t really care how the deal came together or why 1986-87 University of Tennessee, Graduate Assistant the Glazers kept everyone in the dark about their plans. Does 1988 Southeast Missouri State, Passing Game Coordinator anyone out there care about how many chains were jerked to 1989 University of Pacific, Wide Receivers Coach put ink on this deal? The average guy is probably happy to 1990 San Francisco 49ers, Offensive Assistant hear the Bucs have a coach. Nevermind how many people suffered needlesly. 1991 University of Pittsburgh, Wide Receivers Coach What the organization lacks in class they choose to make 1992-94 Green Bay Packers, Wide Receivers Coach up for with cash and draft choices. Bet that won’t smack them 1995-97 Philadelphia Eagles, Offensive Coordinator in the face as the defense gets older and older. It is 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders, Head Coach noteworthy to mention the Patroits when discussing aging teams like the Bucs. The Pats did the impossible this year with a no name defense and a QB that was unknown before the playoffs. What it says for the Buccanners speaks volumes. Fans can expect Rich McKay to work wonders with the mystery that is salary caps if he stays. Fans cross your fingers. Rich is a company man and those of us who have followed his career know he loves Tampa and his work. Who wouldn’t? Well there is cling and clang. There’s always a down side to every great job. The brothers Glazer left a lot of money on the table. Who cares? You will, next season when the price of a ticket hits the blimp flying overhead and a cool Bud costs more than a dinner at Marinos. What the heck, it’s only money, right? Did the Glazers overpay? No. There is almost no price you can put on a great coach. So the Bucs did not overpay for Gruden in giving up two first round picks, two second round picks and $8 million. It’s a lot, but if anyone is worth it, Gruden is. Gruden is a better choice for the Bucs than Bill Parcells. Gruden is a long-term answer. He should be the coach of this team for the next 10 years. Parcells, as great as he is, would have been a quick fix who might have left the organization in shambles in three or four years. Gruden is a better choice for the Bucs than Mariucci. In order to get Gruden, the Bucs didn’t have to give him the general manager title. They would have had to give Mariucci the title to get him. The potential is there for a stronger organization with Gruden. One of the reasons the Bucs job initially was so attractive is the Bucs organization has been one of the league’s best because of people like GM Rich McKay, personnel director Tim Ruskell and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffen. It will be interesting to see what the players do with "Chuckie" on the sidelines. Gruden is as animated as the visor throwing guy. Passion runs deep with Jon and be glad. Greatness could be just a season away. Again.
Gruden’s Pro Head Coaching Career Year Team 1998 Raiders 1999 Raiders 2000 Raiders 2001 Raiders TOTALS
W 8 8 12 10 38
L 8 8 4 6 26
T Pct. 0 .500 0 .500 0 .750 0 .625 0 .594
Playoffs
1-1 1-1 2-2