Coaching Buzz: The Latest On Roman And Pettine

One name that’s been on our list of coaching candidates from day one is Greg Roman.

But somewhat curiously, the 49ers offensive coordinator and Ventnor, N.J. native drew no reported interest last week when teams were free to interview him.

However, that could change.

According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, Roman could get a look in Jacksonville or San Diego because of his existing relationships with their decision-makers. The Jaguars have hired Falcons director of player personnel David Caldwell as their new GM. As Maiocco explains, Caldwell and Roman were teammates and roommates at John Carroll University. Tom Telesco, who is in the mix for the Chargers GM job, also attended John Carroll and knows Roman.

The 40-year-old has never been a head coach at any level and has two years of NFL coordinator experience. He also worked on Jim Harbaugh’s staff for two years at Stanford.

As of this writing, the Eagles have not shown any interest in Roman. But as we’ve seen, the list of candidates can change on a daily basis.

PETTINE TO BUFFALO

Mike Pettine won’t be coming home.

The Doylestown native will join Doug Marrone’s staff as the defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills, according to Chris Mortensen.

It’s wise for the Eagles to be thorough in their coaching search, but the one disadvantage is that you can miss out on some top-level assistants like Pettine, who find jobs elsewhere.

JAY GRUDEN STAYING PUT?

The Eagles are expected to interview Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden at some point. But he doesn’t exactly seem eager to leave Cincinnati.

“I got called to interview for these jobs,” Gruden said, per the Bengals Web site. “I figure I better say yes or they’ll quit asking me.

“I think it will be a great experience and it’s exciting. I have every intention of coming back here. We’ve got a great group of guys here. We’re excited for the future here.”

But he explained that he does want to be a head coach – eventually.

“When you enter the coaching profession you necessarily don’t do it to be an assistant your whole life,” Gruden said. “Eventually you’d like to be top dog and run your own ship. When the time’s right. Every team has their issues and their problems. That’s why they’re looking. Eventually when the time is right, hopefully I’ll get a chance. If not this year, or next year, or the year after. I’ll be happy here because it’s a great place.”

MIKE NOLAN UPDATE

Mike Nolan has already interviewed with the Eagles. He talked to reporters about how the meeting went.

“Like I said, it’s flattering when someone wants to talk to you, at least I think so, and especially someone like Philadelphia, which is a great organization,” Nolan said, per Fox Sports South. “They have a tremendous owner, much like we do here. Whoever ends up with that job is going to do a good job and I also appreciate the fact that it is a great organization. They don’t change coaches very often. It’s been 14 years since they changed the last time and that’s a credit to the entire organization, not just Andy, who I think is a hell of a coach.

“It’s a real credit to them. So all I really say is for someone, it’s going to be a great opportunity to be with a great organization, a great owner and all those good things. Hopefully, we’re still playing so we keep on playing.”

And finally, the Chargers have contacted UCLA coach Jim L. Mora, according to the Los Angeles Times, but he’s expected to stay put.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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