Jon Gruden is the master of the soundbite, thanks to his natural charm and years of polishing his delivery during his previous employment as an NFL television analyst.
So it came as no surprise that, when asked how involved he plans to be in personnel matters, the new Raiders coach lobbed the first thorny question gently onto a nearby flower bed. He plans to work together with general manager Reggie McKenzie, he said, adding that, “We aren’t always going to agree, and Reggie will probably win.”
Pause.
“Look at the size of the guy,” Gruden cracked, referring to the former NFL linebacker who is substantially larger than his playing weight (240 pounds).