The coaching carousel in the NFL has been in full swing, with eight teams currently searching for new head coaches. Among the names that have emerged, Jon Gruden’s situation stands out, especially after his declaration in July that he is eager for another coaching opportunity.
Jon Gruden’s Coaching Aspirations
Gruden last served as a head coach in 2021, stepping down after inappropriate emails from his time at ESPN were leaked. These communications led to his resignation and sparked a lawsuit against the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell, alleging unfair treatment and engineered ousting.
The Legal Battle
Gruden’s legal fight has seen some success. In a notable ruling, the Nevada Supreme Court determined that his case does not need to be resolved through the NFL’s arbitration process. However, this ongoing lawsuit complicates his return to the sidelines.
Coaching Record and Career Overview
- Current Age: 62
- Regular Season Record: 117-112
- Super Bowl Champion: 2002 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Post-Super Bowl Playoff Appearances: Two
Despite his success in 2002, Gruden has had limited playoff success since then. His last endeavor with the Raiders ended in the wild-card round against the Bengals in 2021, under interim coach Rich Bisaccia.
Future Prospects with NFL Teams
With many head coach vacancies remaining, Gruden is free to engage with teams interested in his experience. Yet, there is widespread speculation regarding whether any NFL team will pursue him considering the NFL’s apparent desire to distance itself from him.
The Raiders Connection
One of the most debated scenarios is Gruden’s potential return to the Raiders, the franchise he previously coached. Owner Mark Davis may have the final say, despite potential pushback from figures like Tom Brady. Gruden previously expressed reservations about signing Brady when he became a free agent in 2020.
The Bottom Line
With a quarter of NFL head-coaching positions still unfilled, this may be Gruden’s best opportunity to return to coaching. The primary question remains: Is he still a viable candidate, and will teams overlook the baggage associated with his lawsuit?
