If Jon Gruden returns as Bucs coach, expect Jeff (and Carmella) Garcia to sign a new two-year contract with the Bucs

As expected, Chucky was peppered at his Monday morning press conference with questions about Jeff Garcia’s future in Tampa Bay. Amazingly, Gruden was hit with more questions about Garcia’s ’09 plans than his own.

Gruden’s response was quick and confident, “We want Jeff back,” Gruden said. “Jeff’ll have an opportunity to come back, I’m sure.”

Subsequently, Chucky was asked  – in a roundabout way – whether Garcia would be his starting quarterback for next season, and Gruden dodged the questions by talking about Garcia’s greatness and said he would be looking for the best available players for the Bucs. (Translation: Garcia is his QB, until another savvy veteran hits the market, if at all.)

Following Sunday’s Raiders-Bucs game, Garcia told the Buccaneers Radio Network that he wanted to return to Tampa Bay. Now, Gruden is saying, “We want Jeff back.”

Joe believes Garcia definitely will sign another contract with the Bucs, if Gruden remains at head coach.

Garcia is smart enough to know his next contract is his final payday. And, frankly, his options to become a starting quarterback on a new team are very few, if any. He’ll be 39 years old in February, and he’s no Brett Favre.