"Well, evidently, A.J. Smith's leverage has disappeared.

Jon Gruden was quoted in the Tampa Tribune on Saturday and planned to announce on Monday's telecast of the Outback Bowl that he is remaining in the broadcast booth for 2012.

Unlike Bill Cowher and contrary to what many believe, Gruden was very much on the radar of virtually every owner with a job opening and did very much consider a return to coaching in 2012. But he likes what he is doing, is making too much money and enjoying the benefits of the lifestyle too much to leave TV.

So, despite a report in this very space earlier in the week that Gruden could join Smith in running the St. Louis Rams, Smith will have to hope for mercy from Chargers President Dean Spanos on his own merit."