Raiders and Callahan

Gruden: Big Red a good fit for Callahan
BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
When Bill Callahan and the Oakland Raiders parted ways following the 2003 season, Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden tried to hire his friend and former colleague as an assistant.

As it turns out, Gruden said Friday, Callahan landed in a prime coaching position.

“We tried to hire him immediately, as did some other teams, to keep him in the NFL,” Gruden said. “But this is a storied program. This is Nebraska. When I walk down these hallways, Jiminy Christmas, they have had a lot of great players here. This is a football powerhouse. It’s a great responsibility for whoever has this job.

“I think this is a good fit for him, and it's a responsibility that he needs.”


Bucsaneers coach Jon Gruden watches Nebraska's spring football practice Friday. (Dior Azcuy)

The 42-year-old Gruden came to Lincoln as the featured speaker for the Huskers’ annual spring coaches’ clinic. He said it marked his first-ever clinic speech anywhere, and that he did it because of Callahan, whom Gruden obviously holds in high regard. In fact, Gruden credited Callahan for his rise in the coaching profession.

Callahan, meanwhile, described Gruden as a “mentor.”

From 1998-2001, Gruden was head coach at Oakland, with Callahan serving as offensive coordinator before taking over as head coach when Gruden left for Tampa. They also had worked together from 1995-97 with the Philadelphia Eagles, with Gruden serving as offensive coordinator and Callahan as offensive line coach.

During their seven seasons together, their teams had a combined record of 64-47-1, with four playoff appearances.

“We were hand-in-hand for seven years in Philadelphia and Oakland, and I learned a lot of football from Bill,” Gruden said. “I wanted to rekindle my friendship with him. I miss him, and I’m proud of what he’s doing here. I know what he’s up against. I know the challenges he has.

“I’m just excited to see what he’s doing and where the program’s going. To witness it with my own two eyes was important to me.”

Gruden watched Friday’s practice from the sideline — that is, when he wasn’t signing autographs or posing for pictures. More than 700 coaches, mostly from high schools in 16 states, also were on hand for the workout.

“He looks as intimidating in person as he does on TV,” one prep coach said of Gruden.

Gruden said he was impressed with the practice’s quick tempo, efficiency and organization.

“It was crisp,” he said. “Guys are picking up the system. The execution is clean, particularly with the first group. Defensively, they have a real good energy and confidence and swagger about them.

“I think they’re making great strides, the way they closed out last season (with wins) against Colorado and Michigan. Now to have a good spring practice after an outstanding recruiting class — that’s what they need to lift this program off again.”

Interestingly, a few of the primary issues Tampa faced on offense during its run to the Super Bowl crown in 2002 were similar to the issues Nebraska is facing now. Before coming on late in the 2002 season, and dismantling Callahan’s Raiders 48-21 in the title game, the Buccaneers struggled in the running game and suffered breakdowns protecting quarterback Brad Johnson.

This spring, Callahan is emphasizing an improved power running game and overall improvement in the offensive line. Nebraska last season ranked 107th nationally in rushing at 96.0 yards per game, and quarterback Zac Taylor was sacked 38 times.

Gruden said he was impressed with Taylor, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior.

“I saw him make all kinds of throws — moving to his right, moving to his left, from the shotgun, three-step drops,” Gruden said. “I’m impressed with his toughness. This guy takes hits, gets up and keeps playing. He throws a friendly ball, and his receivers have a lot of confidence in him.

“I’ve seen guys take major jumps in year two as a starter in this system. His intelligence and his background are really going to help him.”

Gruden also was impressed with sophomore I-back Marlon Lucky. Cody Glenn, battling Lucky for playing time at I-back, missed the practice with a high ankle sprain. Callahan said the injury shouldn’t keep Glenn out of action for an extended period.

“I just see a guy that has great energy and quickness and pass-receiving ability,” Gruden said of Lucky.

In his speech to coaches, Gruden said he planned to impart his passion for the game and his belief in the importance of fundamentals.

“I want to have a little fun, because I think at the end of the day this has to be the best time of our lives — to coach football and live in America and be together at a coaching clinic, with no wives,” he said, grinning widely.