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Former Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden is garnering interest from several NFL teams

Jon Gruden Draws Interest for NFL Coaching Return

January 1, 2025

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden may attract interest in the upcoming coaching cycle, despite not having coached in the NFL since 2021.

Gruden’s last coaching stint ended abruptly in 2021 when he stepped down as the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach amidst controversy surrounding his past emails, which contained racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Jon Gruden has maintained connections with multiple NFL teams, including his former employer, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the New Orleans Saints. Notably, Gruden served as a coaching consultant for the Saints after they acquired Derek Carr and was even offered the team’s offensive coordinator position, which ultimately went to Klint Kubiak.

“There are multiple teams that have been doing extensive homework on Jon Gruden,” continued Pelissero, who thinks his name could pop up as head coaching interviews start up.

During his three-and-a-half-year tenure as Raiders head coach, Jon Gruden compiled a 22-31 record. As he eyes a potential return to coaching in 2025 and beyond, Gruden will need to demonstrate his continued effectiveness as a coach while also addressing the personal controversies that have surrounded him.

There are currently head coaching openings with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears. Additionally, teams like the Giants, Jaguars, and Titans, who have struggled this season, may opt to replace their current head coaches following the conclusion of the regular season.

Following a successful four-year stint with the Raiders, where he amassed a 40-28 record, Jon Gruden took the reins as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. The move came via a blockbuster trade that sent multiple draft picks and $8 million in cash to the Raiders. Gruden inked a five-year, $17.5 million contract with the Buccaneers.