Jan 29, 2015 10:16 AM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Louisville Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Grantham recently confirmed both that he interviewed with the Oakland Raiders and that he turned down a chance to coach in the NFL.

According to ESPN, the Raiders offered Grantham their defensive coordinator job, but he decided he would rather stay at Louisville.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the Oakland Raiders, but I'm committed to the University of Louisville," Grantham said in a statement obtained by ESPN. "I said when I came to Louisville that I thought we could win a national championship, and we are building toward that goal with the success we had this season."

Grantham installed a 3-4 defense this season at Louisville and the team flourished, allowing 21 points per game, 109 rushing yards per game and 308 total yards per game.

"We're very pleased and happy that Todd is going to be staying at the University of Louisville," Louisville head football coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. "He's done a fabulous job with our defense that ranked in the top 10. He's one of the finest assistant coaches in the country, and you expect excellent coaches like Todd to get opportunities in the NFL. I've always had respect for the job that Todd has done throughout his career, especially this past year at Louisville, and we're happy that he and his family will continue to be members of the Cardinals' family."

In Petrino's first season back at Louisville, the Cardinals went 9-4 and their defense was widely regarded as one of the best in the nation. With the changing landscape in the ACC, Louisville could jump into contention for the conference next season.

"Coach Petrino and Tom Jurich have given me a great opportunity and I'm grateful for their commitment," Grantham said. "My family loves it in Louisville, and I think we are establishing something special here with head coach Bobby Petrino and our staff. Our main objective over the next week is to finish strong in recruiting and continue to bolster this signing class."

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