Jon Gruden Set to Speak at Ohio State’s 2026 Coaches Clinic
Ohio State is bringing in a big name for its 2026 coaches clinic - and it’s one that’ll resonate with both NFL veterans and coaching hopefuls alike. Former Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden is set to appear at the Buckeyes’ annual coaching event, scheduled for April 16-18 in Columbus.
For Gruden, it’s a bit of a homecoming. The Sandusky, Ohio native hasn’t been a stranger to the Buckeyes program - he was spotted at an Ohio State practice back in August - but this marks his first formal appearance in Columbus in quite some time.
Gruden’s coaching journey began back in 1986 as a graduate assistant at Tennessee. From there, he climbed the ranks through various assistant roles in both college football and the NFL before landing his first head coaching gig with the Oakland Raiders in 1998. Just four years later, he was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, delivering the franchise its first Super Bowl title in his debut season.
After his initial run on the sidelines, Gruden transitioned into the broadcast booth, becoming a familiar face on ESPN before returning to coach the Raiders from 2018 to 2021. Since stepping away from coaching, he’s kept a lower profile, occasionally advising programs and contributing to media outlets like Barstool Sports.
Gruden won’t be the only former NFL head coach at the clinic. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is rolling out a staff with serious pro credentials.
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who spent nearly two decades in the NFL and served as the Detroit Lions’ head coach, is entering his second season with the Buckeyes. On the offensive side, Arthur Smith - fresh off his stint as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach from 2021 to 2023 - is gearing up for his first year leading Ohio State’s offense.
The clinic will feature breakout sessions and presentations from the entire coaching staff, offering a rare chance for high school and college coaches to learn directly from minds with deep NFL experience. With names like Gruden, Patricia, and Smith on the docket, it’s shaping up to be a must-attend event for anyone serious about the X’s and O’s.
For Ohio State, this clinic isn’t just about sharing knowledge - it’s about reinforcing the program’s commitment to building a staff that blends elite college acumen with professional pedigree. And for coaches in attendance, it’s a chance to hear from some of the sharpest football minds in the game today.