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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is shockingly mentioned in head coach candidate conversations, despite his controversial exit from the NFL in 2021. In a recent ESPN discussion, insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano listed Gruden as one of the most intriguing HC candidates not currently on an NFL sideline, highlighting how his name continues to linger in league conversations.
Jon Gruden’s Name Emerges in Head Coach Conversations
GettyHead coach John Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During ESPN’s examination of potential head coaching candidates outside the NFL, Graziano acknowledged the difficulty in identifying compelling options but still mentions Gruden’s name, noting the numerous factors surrounding his situation.
Fowler echoed that sentiment, stating it would not be surprising if teams expressed interest in speaking with Gruden, assuming his ongoing litigation against the league reaches a resolution.
While the idea of Gruden returning to an NFL head coaching role remains complicated, two main factors stand out to Fowler: limited offensive options and his imprint on the NFL.
“It wouldn’t shock me if teams wanted to speak with Gruden, assuming his lawsuit will reach a conclusion at some point,” Fowler wrote. “In a year with limited offensive options, this would be the time. His imprint is still all over the NFL coaching landscape.”
Since leaving the Raiders, Gruden has stayed loosely connected to football. He consulted for the New Orleans Saints in 2023 and is currently a part-owner and consultant for the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football One league, maintaining visibility within the sport even without an NFL role.
Ongoing Litigation Continues to Cloud Gruden’s NFL Future
Despite potential resurfacing interest, Gruden’s path back to an NFL head coaching job is far from clear due to his ongoing legal battle with the league. Gruden resigned in October 2021 after emails he sent years earlier were published, containing racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language.
One month later, he filed a lawsuit against the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell, alleging a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” to destroy his career through the selective leaking of those emails.
Recently, the Nevada Supreme Court returned Gruden’s case to the state’s District Court, prompting the NFL to file two motions seeking prompt dismissal of the claims. NFL attorneys argued that Gruden does not dispute authoring or sending the emails and accused him of attempting to portray himself as a victim of his own actions.
The league cited Nevada’s anti-SLAPP statute, asserting that the claims are based on protected First Amendment activity and lack legal merit.
Previously, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled 5-2 that “the arbitration clause in the NFL Constitution is unconscionable and does not apply to Gruden as a former employee.”
Until the legal process is concluded, any potential NFL return remains speculative. Still, as Fowler noted, in a year with limited offensive coaching options, Gruden’s name continues to surface, underscoring how his coaching legacy remains relevant, even amid significant controversy.
Isaac Zuniga is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. More about Isaac Zuniga
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