Alstott was asked to coach running backs

Coach Jon Gruden asked fullback Mike Alstott if he would consider coaching running backs but the six-time Pro Bowl player declined after spending a week considering the offer.

Gruden hinted at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., all week that he planned to interview a big name for the running backs position Thursday. It turned out to be the A-Train, who said he will consider another position with the organization in the future but did not elaborate on his plans at a news conference to announce his retirement.

"Yes, we've had some discussions and I think our discussions will continue for me to be part of this organization,'' Alstott said.

But Alstott later said he was flattered by Gruden's gesture.

"It was pretty awesome and I was honored,'' Alstott said during an interview from the Bahamas on 620-WDAE. "We had some good conversations in the past couple weeks that closed a lot of things as far as my playing career with Jon and that championship year and everything. I was honored and very grateful for a lot of things that were discussed in that meeting.''

Gruden indicated Thursday he hoped Alstott would remain with the team in some capacity.

"All I can do is celebrate what has been a great career, an unbelievable career as a player and a teammate,'' Gruden said. "We'll never forget you. You took 96 Power King and 14 Blast to an unforgettable level. It's a been a pleasure, it's been an honor, to coach one of the great football players in Buccaneer history.

"We'll miss ya, and we're going to try to hire you to do something.''