Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has recently found his name resurfacing in discussions about potential coaching opportunities, marking the first time in years he’s been part of the conversation. Adding fuel to the speculation, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has indirectly contributed to the buzz surrounding Gruden.
The Dallas Cowboys’ interest in Gruden may hinge on the future of their current head coach, Mike McCarthy. McCarthy’s contract is set to expire on January 14th, leaving the Cowboys with a decision to either re-sign him or let him go. When asked about Gruden and the rumors linking him to head coaching roles, Jones addressed the topic cautiously during an interview on 105.3 The Fan. “I just don’t have any comment there at all,” Jones said, as reported by Jon Machota of The Athletic. “Jon is a friend, and let’s leave it at that.” By choosing not to explicitly deny the rumors, Jones has left room for further speculation as McCarthy’s tenure nears its end.
Jon Gruden’s coaching career has been a mix of highs and lows. During his first stint with the Raiders, he led the team to a solid 38-26 record. In 2002, Gruden was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he immediately delivered results by leading the team to a Super Bowl victory in his first season.
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However, his second stint with the Raiders from 2018 to 2021 was far less successful, with a 22-31 record. His time with the Raiders ended abruptly in 2021 after emails surfaced in which he used homophobic and racist language, leading to his resignation.
Gruden eyes NFL coaching opportunities
Since leaving the NFL, Gruden has kept himself busy with other endeavors. He joined Barstool Sports and has been active on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where he shares game previews and reviews. Despite his controversial exit from coaching, reports suggest that Gruden is eager to return to the NFL. A recent report even indicated that an NFL owner would “love to” hire him under specific circumstances.
While Jerry Jones’ comments have fueled speculation about Gruden’s potential return to coaching, it remains unclear whether Dallas or any other team will seriously consider him for a head coaching position. For now, Gruden continues to work on rebuilding his reputation and positioning himself as a viable candidate in the coaching world once again.