Gruden's speculated move to SEC coaching squelched by Pete Thamel's report
Jon Gruden Eyes Return to College Coaching Amid Ongoing Lawsuit
Jon Gruden, the former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders, is actively seeking a return to coaching at the college level, specifically aiming for a head coaching job in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Despite ongoing legal issues and past controversies, the college football community anticipates that he may soon get a chance to coach again [1][2][3].
Last year, three college teams, including the University of Florida, the University of Arkansas, and the University of South Florida, expressed interest in giving Gruden a chance. However, ESPN analyst Pete Thamel has refuted the notion that any college team will hire Gruden given the circumstances [4].
Gruden's resignation came in the aftermath of leaked racist, sexist, and homophobic emails from 2011 to 2018 sent by him to colleagues. Currently, he is in the midst of a lawsuit against the NFL over these leaked emails.
The university hiring process for Gruden, who is amid ongoing litigation, could add some complexities to the situation. Hiring Jon Gruden amid his ongoing lawsuit could potentially lead to backlash.
Despite these challenges, experts and analysts widely believe Gruden will likely be given an opportunity due to his high profile as a Super Bowl-winning coach and his ability to energize fan bases. If SEC head coaching openings arise, programs like Auburn or Arkansas could be potential fits for him. His social media presence and ongoing engagement with teams and players reinforce his commitment to returning to coaching [2][3][5].
It's worth noting that Gruden hasn't coached since 2021, when he resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Recently, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled in favor of Gruden, allowing the case to be moved to a public court. In 2023, the New Orleans Saints hired him as a consultant to develop QB Derek Carr.
While no official job offer or contract has been reported, the possibility of Jon Gruden coaching in college football once again remains a topic of interest and discussion. Despite the legal issues and past controversies surrounding him, his accomplished coaching record and passion for the game continue to keep him in the running for coaching positions [1][2][3][5].
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5]
Given the current circumstances, Jon Gruden might find a new opportunity in American football, considering his interest in college coaching and the SEC. However, hiring him amid his ongoing lawsuit could potentially face backlash, especially in the collegiate environment.
