As the NFL offseason approaches, the coaching carousel is beginning to spin, with four head coaching vacancies already confirmed and potentially more to come as underperforming teams assess their futures. As always, a mix of top-tier candidates has emerged as frontrunners for these roles. This year, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel are among the most sought-after names in the league.
However, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero introduced an unexpected twist into the conversation. During a Tuesday segment, Pelissero named a surprise candidate who could make a return to the NFL sidelines: former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden.
According to Pelissero, multiple teams are conducting “extensive research” on Gruden as a potential head coaching option, despite the controversy that led to his departure from the league in 2021.
“Keep an eye on Jon Gruden,” Pelissero told Peter Schrager. “We haven’t seen Gruden in a full-time NFL coaching capacity since 2021, when he resigned as head coach of the Raiders following leaked emails containing offensive language that he sent while at ESPN.
But Gruden has stayed connected to the league. We saw him on the sidelines earlier this fall with the Buccaneers’ owners. He also spent time with the Saints in training camp last year. My understanding is that if he had wanted the Saints’ offensive coordinator job, it was his for the taking, but he chose not to pursue it.”
Pelissero went on to say that Gruden’s name could soon resurface in discussions for top positions:
“While nothing is guaranteed, I’ve been told that several teams are doing significant homework on Gruden—his coaching ability, his personal growth, and the context surrounding his departure. Don’t be surprised if we start hearing about Gruden interviewing for head coaching jobs in the coming weeks.”
Gruden’s most recent NFL stint ended abruptly in October 2021 when he resigned from the Raiders after reports surfaced of emails he had sent a decade earlier, which contained offensive and inappropriate language.
Since then, Gruden has kept a relatively low public profile, occasionally appearing in NFL circles. He joined Barstool Sports as an NFL content creator and was seen at various football-related events, keeping his name in league discussions.
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A Polarizing Legacy
Gruden’s coaching career spans two distinct periods. He began as head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 1998, where he built a reputation as an innovative offensive mind. He then led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002-2008, winning Super Bowl XXXVII in his first season with the team.
After a decade-long hiatus from coaching, during which he worked as a Monday Night Football analyst, Gruden returned to the Raiders in 2018 on a highly publicized 10-year, $100 million contract.
His second tenure was marked by the franchise’s relocation to Las Vegas before it was cut short due to the email scandal.
Gruden’s overall head coaching record is 117-112, with a Super Bowl championship that cements his place in NFL history. However, his controversial exit from the Raiders and the nature of the leaked emails have left many questioning his suitability for a return to the league.
NFL Teams Weighing the Risks
The potential return of Jon Gruden would undoubtedly be polarizing. Supporters point to his championship pedigree and extensive experience, while critics highlight the baggage he brings and the potential backlash from fans and players alike.
For teams in need of a cultural reset or strong leadership, Gruden’s personality and track record may offer some appeal. However, the hiring process will likely include scrutiny from ownership, fan bases, and the league itself.
As the coaching vacancies continue to develop, Gruden’s name could either fade from consideration or rise as a wildcard option for teams willing to take a gamble on his experience and expertise.
Whether he lands a new role or remains on the sidelines, his potential return is certain to spark heated debate across the NFL landscape.
