The New York Jets’ offseason overhaul has generated a wave of reports linking the organization to a wide range of potential coaching candidates. One of those reports tied the Jets to a former Super Bowl-winning head coach, who has since made a definitive comment about the situation.
How Did Jon Gruden Address Report Linking Him to Jets Coaching Search?
Speaking on 95.3 WDAE, Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden denied claims that the Jets reached out to him about an offensive coordinator opening on their coaching staff, calling the report inaccurate.
“There’s a lot of reports we’re not going to get into,” Gruden said. “As you know, there’s a lot of stupid rumors out there. Some of these reports are ridiculous. Let’s just say there was never anything from the Jets.”
Gruden added that he holds no animosity toward the organization as it continues its offseason changes.
“I wish them well in their search for a new offensive coordinator,” Gruden said.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Jon Gruden says the report of the Jets reaching out to him about a role on their coaching staff wasn’t true.
“There’s a lot of reports we’re not going to get into. As you know, there’s a lot of stupid rumors out there. Some of these reports are ridiculous.… pic.twitter.com/7pslDtROvQ
— JPA (@jasrifootball) January 30, 2026
Gruden’s comments followed a report from The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, who wrote that the Jets reached out to Gruden about the idea of joining head coach Aaron Glenn’s staff. Rosenblatt reported that Gruden declined the opportunity and was not interested in the job.
The Jets are coming off a 3–14 season that led to widespread staff turnover, including the firing of both their offensive and defensive coordinators. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is in the midst of making major changes. New York ranked 29th in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a 58.7 grade and finished 31st in PFSN’s Defense Impact rankings with a 62.8 score.
Since becoming head coach last year, Glenn has already fired the Jets’ offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, defensive backs coach, quarterbacks coach, defensive line coach, passing game coordinator, and linebackers coach. The Jets are set to pick No.2 in the upcoming 2026 draft.
Gruden last coached in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders. He resigned during the 2021 season after emails surfaced during an investigation into workplace misconduct at the Washington Commanders. His most recent NFL role came in 2023, when he served as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints.
Since then, Gruden has remained involved in football through several avenues. He has worked as an advisor for the Milano Seamen of the Italian Football League and has been producing football-related content with Barstool Sports since 2024.
As New York continues its search for coaching talent, Gruden’s comments added some clarity but also left more questions about the Jets’ staff direction and the offense’s future.
