The one thing that has me confident that Gruden is the candidate, is the lack of rumors from Tennessee insiders suggesting any other coach is a candidate. The only mentions from people who could possibly know are about Gruden, and then a second possible backup plan.
What is reported is the various fan and media personalities speculating and providing their OPINIONS on the candidates that SHOULD be considered, and why. No one in the Media is reporting that these candidates actually have been contacted or interviewed for the Tennessee position.
Now think about this. How many articles have been published regarding the Florida Football search? Various Media sites are on the record saying that Florida has actually contacted Frost, Kelly, and Strong. Why aren't these same media sources stating that Tennessee has contacted only of these same candidates, or others. If Tennessee was contacting other candidates there would be news about it in some form or another, outside of forums.
In regards to the Mullen rumors: read this Paragraph:
"
Paul Finebaum and Nick Saban are both represented by the same powerful sports agency, CAA. Finebaums agent, Nick Kahn, and Sabans agent, Jimmy Sexton, often work together. Surely someone will wonder, is this Sexton planting an item with one client, in hopes of getting more money for another client?"
ref:
Nick Saban Has Had a Contract Extension on His Desk For Six Days Now, Paul Finebaum Reports [UPDATE] | The Big Lead
Think about this. CAA is known to leverage their "talent" to generate speculation and value for coaches they represent.
Lets Start with this:
Dennis Dodd's article about Sexton.
Man behind the money - CBSSports.com
Dodd pumps up Mullen.
It's time for Dan Mullen to embrace his moment and leave Mississippi State - CBSSports.com
Dodd throws Shade about Tennessee and Gruden:
Tennessee has serious concerns about Jon Gruden as a coaching candidate - CBSSports.com
Feinbaum on Mullen
Paul Finebaum says Mullen, Fuente and Gundy interest Tennessee
https://www.seccountry.com/mississippi-state/paul-finebaum-dan-mullen-good-candidate-tennessee
https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/f...hing-candidates-says-dan-mullen-ready-change/
http://thespun.com/college-football...-you-keep-hearing-for-tennessee-is-dan-mullen
Finebaum on Norvell (Rep By CAA)
http://media.jrn.com/documents/Mike+Norvell's+contract.pdf
https://twitter.com/finebaum/status/928735826221191169
Feinbaum on gruden to Tennessee
https://247sports.com/college/tenne...im-Gruden-is-not-going-to-Tennessee-110499272
If you cant see that CAA, i.e. Sexton isn't putting out a coordinated effort to get their guys better contracts at the expense of the Tennessee coaching search then you are absolutely blind.
Gruden is the guy until he turns us down. Period.