The common theme among those supposedly being interviewed: They are all defensive coordinators. Steele, Venables, Tucker, Pruitt....
Could it be that Gruden wanted Phil to help him find a good DC? Gruden is more offensive minded than defensive minded.. and defense is a huge part of winning in the SEC... So they could be out interviewing the Top DC's in the nation to bring on with Gruden. This is something I'm sure he would look to Phil for help with.