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Since Jon Gruden joined the Oakland Raiders as the next head coach, his relationship with running back Marshawn Lynch has drawn much attention.
According to Michael Gehlken of The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Gruden has reportedly spoken to Lynch on several occasions over the past few weeks at the team's headquarters in Oakland.
Marshawn Lynch, Jon Gruden have met at Raiders headquarters on multiple occasions since latter’s hiring, per source familiar with situation. Been reported Lynch has blown off Gruden. Lynch’s agent Doug Hendrickson refuted notion Thursday on Twitter.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 9, 2018
There were rumors that Lynch had been standing up Gruden's request to talk to him in person, leading to the former Pro Bowler's agent coming out to deny it. This effectively dismisses any possible tension between both sides given they've engaged in multiple meetings over the last few weeks.
Lynch is set to enter the second year of his two-year, $9 million deal with the Raiders. He is coming off a productive first year back after retirement, rushing for 891 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games played. This includes recording more than 100 rushing yards twice, and more than 60 yards in each of the last seven games he took the field.
The sitdowns with Gruden have been centered around Lynch's future with the team, as his future for the 2018 campaign is still in question. The 52-year-old already voiced a strong desire to bring back Lynch next season prior to speaking with him. The fact that they have met several times could be a sign that Lynch is committed to playing another season and his first under Gruden, who hasn't coached in the NFL in a decade.
At this point, there is no clarity as to what the workload will be for Lynch if he does remain with the Raiders. He displayed durability to handle the physical rigors that come with an NFL season after a year away from the game, only missing one game due to a suspension. Nonetheless, this is a positive sign that the two are invested in building a stable working relationship.
