The New York Jets recently explored the possibility of adding a high-profile name to their coaching staff, reaching out to former Raiders and Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden. According to reports, the Jets contacted Gruden about a potential role under newly hired head coach Aaron Glenn. But Gruden wasn’t interested in joining the staff.
Gruden’s name has quietly circulated in coaching conversations over the past month. ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently pointed to him as someone to monitor, though any potential return to the NFL sidelines comes with significant complications. Gruden is still in the middle of a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging defamation and violation of privacy-an ongoing legal battle that clouds his coaching future.
Still, there are those around the league who believe Gruden could resurface once the legal dust settles. As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted, the current coaching landscape is light on proven offensive minds, and Gruden’s offensive system has left a lasting imprint across the league. His influence is still visible in the schemes run by several teams today.
Gruden hasn’t coached in the NFL since 2021, when he resigned midway through what had the makings of a strong season in Las Vegas. The Raiders would go on to make the playoffs under interim coach Rich Bisaccia, but Gruden’s exit-prompted by the release of offensive and racist emails sent to former Washington executive Bruce Allen-cut short what some thought could be a turning point in his second stint with the franchise.
The emails, which surfaced during the league’s investigation into workplace misconduct within the Washington Football Team, led to Gruden’s abrupt departure. The NFL has denied being the source of the leak, but Gruden responded by filing a lawsuit against the league and commissioner Roger Goodell. That case is still playing out in court.
Gruden, now 62, has had a long and winding journey through the NFL. He first became a head coach in 1998 with the Raiders, then was famously traded to Tampa Bay after four seasons.
He made an immediate impact in Tampa, winning a Super Bowl in his first year with the Buccaneers. He spent seven seasons there before being fired in 2009.
After nearly a decade away from coaching-much of it spent in the broadcast booth-Gruden returned to the Raiders in 2018 under a massive contract. His second go-round was a mixed bag, with flashes of competitiveness but no playoff appearances before his resignation.
Over the course of his head coaching career, Gruden compiled a 117-112 regular-season record and went 5-4 in the postseason. His legacy remains complicated-marked by both a Super Bowl ring and controversy-but his football mind is still respected in many corners of the league.
For now, though, it looks like the Jets will have to look elsewhere as they build out Aaron Glenn’s staff. Gruden isn’t ready-or willing-to return to the sideline just yet.