updated 8:34 p.m. ET April 10, 2009

When Chip Kelly took over as Oregon head football coach, his first task was to find an offensive coordinator. He asked Jon Gruden to fill the role, but Gruden turned down the offer, according to the Nashua (N.H.) Telegraph.

Kelly, who was named the Ducks' coach on March 13, said: "I have only offered the job to one man so far, and that was Jon Gruden."

Gruden, who was fired by the Bucs on January 16, expressed interest in learning more about the spread offense following his dismissal in Tampa. He told one Florida newspaper that he wanted to learn more about Oregon's offense.

When Kelly offered the 45-year-old former college and NFL coach the opportunity, Gruden declined.

"He told me he wanted to learn the system," Kelly said, "but that he just wanted to take a year off from coaching and spend time with his family. I was taking a shot. He's a great coach and teacher. He's still getting a paycheck from Tampa, so he can afford to take some time off."

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