Gruden Not Out Of Raider Picture Despite Issuing An Ultimatum, Eagle Aide Still Has Shot At Job

Ticking off the boss seems an odd way to go about getting your dream job, but it appears to be the way Jon Gruden has chosen, just the same.

His agent, Robert LaMonte, took a hard-line stance on his client’s behalf Thursday and Friday when the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator interviewed in Oakland for the vacant head-coaching job.

He said Gruden would insist on a decision from Oakland before leaving the city where he was interviewing for the third time in as many years, or else Gruden would not be the Raiders’ third coach since 1994.

Well, Gruden left Saturday without a job offer from the Raiders. Television reports Sunday said Gruden left owner Al Davis peeved at LaMonte’s comments and not terribly thrilled with Gruden’s stance.

Throughout the process, LaMonte bluntly and honestly told reporters several things on his mind. Among them: “(The Oakland job) is not a plum job. They’re not a year away from the Super Bowl, they’re four games away from no wins.

“Time is on our side. Jon Gruden’s 34. Al Davis is 68. Jon will live to coach another day.”

In a more mild vein, LaMonte said Gruden would insist upon choosing his own staff. He also implied, by saying playing credentials did not qualify a man to coach, that Gruden probably would rid the Raiders’ coaching staff of the likes of Fred Biletnikoff and Willie Brown, both Hall of Fame Raiders.

Such comments, while probably true, apparently didn’t sit well with Davis, one of the more meddlesome, self-aggrandizing owners.

Further, Gruden’s desire to know quickly if the job is his - a desire no doubt fueled by Gruden’s possible chances to coach or coordinate elsewhere - does not mesh with the way Davis makes such decisions. The only time in recent memory that Davis moved fast on such a matter was last year: After firing Mike White, he elevated assistant Joe Bugel, who was about to be interviewed by the Giants.

The Raiders are set to interview New York Jets defensive coordinator Bill Belichick at the Senior Bowl this week. Former Raiders coach Art Shell, now the offensive line coach for Atlanta, also is said to be a candidate, as is Steelers defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.

While the weekend’s shenanigans did not cause the Raiders to eliminate Gruden from their list of candidates when the sides parted Saturday - Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen said Gruden’s departure should not be read either way - they did not appear to maximize Gruden’s shot. TV reports even said the Raiders suggested that Gruden fire LaMonte.

While LaMonte’s dismissal does not appear imminent, one thing is certain: The Gruden camp has softened its ultimatum-based position.

Gruden told Oakland reporters upon leaving, “I did my best.” Asked about the ultimatum and conditions, Gruden said, “I don’t know about all that.”

None of the parties involved responded to phone calls.