As soon as Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer stepped aside, speculation began swirling that Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden could wind up coaching at the school.

Anyone attending Thursday night’s Game 2 of the World Series in Tampa would have noticed Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden doing the Rays lineup introduction.

For now, Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams is being used to imitate Cowboys running back Marion Barber as Tampa Bay prepares to play Dallas on Sunday.

It didn’t take long for Bucs coach Jon Gruden to name his starting quarterback this week. Gruden said during his Monday press conference Jeff Garcia will start against the Seahawks on Sunday.

Some stories go beyond wins and losses or fantasy football. In Tampa Bay, the family of Matt Bryant is dealing with the death of their 3-month-old son, Matthew Tryson Bryant, on Wednesday.

It turns out that Jeff Garcia has more than a sprained ankle. He now also has a bruised ego.

Garcia believes the Buccaneers are benching him not because of the condition of his ankle, but because of his play. Garcia said Thursday he is healthy enough to play — but he is not scheduled to start. Buccaneers quarterback Brian Griese is.

Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden has named QB Brian Griese the starter for Sunday’s home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.