Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden is making his return to football, albeit in a different league and on a different continent.
The Milano Seamen, a five-time Italian Bowl champion team in the European League of Football (ELF), announced on Wednesday that Gruden will be joining them as an advisor ahead of the 2024 season.
Gruden’s involvement with the Seamen marks his first official football job since his resignation from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.
The 60-year-old coach, who also had a successful stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Italian team.
The move comes after Gruden’s departure from the NFL amidst controversy surrounding leaked emails containing derogatory language.
Despite the setback, Gruden has expressed his desire to return to coaching, and his role with the Seamen signals a step in that direction.
In addition to his coaching credentials, Gruden’s legal battle with the NFL is ongoing, with a lawsuit alleging that the league leaked the emails to force him out as Raiders coach.
However, Gruden remains focused on his passion for football and is eager to contribute to the Seamen’s success.
The Seamen hope to find success in 2024
The Milano Seamen, who finished their inaugural ELF season with a 2-10 record, are gearing up for a fresh start in 2024.
Described as “the only Italian team” in the competition, the Seamen boast a promising roster and passionate fan base.
With Gruden’s guidance, the Seamen hope to turn their fortunes around and make a stronger showing in the ELF Central Conference.
The Seamen compete in the Central Conference alongside the Barcelona Dragons from Spain, the Helvetic Guards from Switzerland, the Raiders Tirol from Austria, the Munich Ravens, and Stuttgart Surge from Germany.
As the ELF prepares for an exciting 2024 season, which will kick off in the summer with 17 teams from nine nations, the addition of Jon Gruden to the Milano Seamen adds another layer of intrigue to the league’s landscape.