Once regarded as one of the NFL’s most coveted head coaches, Jon Gruden’s career has seen dramatic highs and stunning lows. Gruden first made his mark as the head coach of the then-Oakland Raiders before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers orchestrated a rare trade to acquire the 39-year-old offensive prodigy. The gamble paid off when Gruden led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory, making him the youngest coach in NFL history to win the championship.
But by 2008, the Buccaneers had parted ways with Gruden, pushing him to transition into a successful career as an ESPN Monday Night Football analyst. Fast forward to 2018, and the Raiders—now based in Las Vegas—lured him back to coaching with a blockbuster deal. However, his second stint was short-lived, as controversial emails surfaced, forcing him to step down and seemingly ending his NFL tenure.
In 2023, Gruden resurfaced as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints, but his name has yet to emerge in serious discussions for another head coaching gig. That, however, might be changing as the 2025 hiring cycle looms.
Is a Jon Gruden NFL Comeback on the Table?
Since his departure from Las Vegas, Gruden has not officially interviewed for a head coaching position. But Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio is now questioning whether the former Super Bowl-winning coach could once again be in the mix for a leadership role.
While Gruden’s passion for coaching is undeniable, the baggage from his past raises questions about whether teams would be willing to take the risk. As Florio points out, if a legend like Bill Belichick struggles to secure another opportunity, Gruden’s path back to the top might be even steeper.
Despite these doubts, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently reported that “multiple teams” are quietly evaluating the prospect of hiring Gruden. While it might seem improbable to some, the notion of Gruden returning to the NFL sidelines in 2025 suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
Could Jon Gruden defy the odds and orchestrate one of the most surprising comebacks in NFL history? Only time will tell.
