The United Football League’s Florida Tuskers will make Orlando their only home for the UFL’s second season in 2010.

The news comes from today’s Orlando press conference announcing Jay Gruden, former offensive coordinator for the Tuskers, as head coach of the franchise following Jim Haslett’s departure at the end of the Premiere Season. Gruden was speculated to be Haslett’s successor for weeks here at UFL Access, prior to confirmations via Bright House Sports Network and Channel 6 News out of Orlando.

Now, Sunburst Entertainment Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tampa Bay Rays, will sell their minority stake in the Tuskers back to the United Football League. The league will actively seek additional investors to fill their void, although a number of investors remain, helping to ensure the Tuskers’ viability as a franchise.

“We are very grateful to Sunburst for their participation in the UFL’s ‘Premiere’ season,” said UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue. “Sunburst’s involvement with the Florida Tuskers brought needed awareness and stability to the franchise this first season and we are thankful for their involvement.  While Sunburst Entertainment was the face of the Tuskers’ ownership, there are several other companies and individuals who shared ownership so the overall operation and business structure of the team is unchanged.  We plan to introduce some new investors in the near future.”

“The Tuskers had a very successful season,” said Michael Kalt, Sunburst Entertainment Group Senior Vice President of Development and Business Affairs, “but introducing and establishing a team in two cities at the same time is challenging.  Sunburst and the UFL agreed it was in the best interest of the Tuskers to play full-time in Orlando where the team can build the fan base it needs for long-term success.”

Source: UFL-Football.com