Jon Gruden’s name still carries weight in football circles, even after his controversial exit from the NFL. The former Super Bowl champion spent decades coaching at every level, building a reputation for his fiery passion and old-school intensity. But that career came crashing down in 2021 when leaked emails revealed offensive comments that forced him to resign from the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, Gruden is making it clear he’s not ready to walk away from the game that defined his life.
Will Jon Gruden Actually Get Another Shot at Coaching?
Gruden’s journey back to relevance took an interesting turn during a recent visit to the Detroit Lions training camp. The 61-year-old coach was there to spend time with offensive coordinator John Morton, one of his former assistants. What started as a casual visit turned into something more revealing when Gruden opened up about his future plans.
“Hopefully I’m not done,” Gruden said. “I’m about to make a comeback. I’m working hard to maybe get one more shot, but hopefully some of these guys that fell off my branch, if you say it that way, maybe they can hire me cause I’m looking for a job.”
The comments show a coach who still believes he has something to offer, despite the baggage that comes with his name. Gruden’s fall from grace was swift and decisive after an investigation into the then-Washington Football Team uncovered emails he sent to former Washington GM Bruce Allen. Those messages contained misogynistic, racist, and homophobic comments that effectively ended his NFL career.
However, Gruden isn’t limiting himself to the professional level. His hunger to coach goes beyond the bright lights of the NFL, extending to virtually any opportunity that would put him back on a sideline.
“I don’t care if I coach at Jones Junior High,” he said. “I’m going to coach again. I’m still coaching. I’m just not on a team officially, but I do have some private assignments I work on, and I wear some gear when I’m watching the games that nobody knows about who I’m pulling for.”
What Does Gruden’s Track Record Actually Mean for His Comeback Chances?
The football world hasn’t completely shut the door on Gruden, though opportunities have been limited. During the 2024 season, at least one team considered him as a candidate during their coaching search. Additionally, he did some consulting work for the New Orleans Saints in 2023, showing that some organizations are willing to tap into his football knowledge despite the controversy.
Gruden’s coaching credentials remain impressive. He revolutionized the West Coast Offense and captured a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2002 season.
Love watching this guy work! pic.twitter.com/OwSysn2yKE
— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) July 28, 2025
His visit to Lions training camp revealed someone who still feels the pull of football in his bones. Gruden expressed gratitude to Lions head coach Dan Campbell for allowing him to attend practice, sharing how much he values the opportunity to observe how successful teams operate.
“I wake up in July and August, and I get the shakes,” jokes Gruden. “It’s just awesome to hear the (pads) popping and the snap count, and see the guys struggling physically, fighting through stuff,” Gruden said.
The question remains whether any team will be willing to take a chance on Gruden and deal with the inevitable backlash that would follow such a hiring. His strong coaching record and innovative offensive mind are offset by the public relations nightmare that would accompany his return. For now, Gruden continues to work behind the scenes, maintaining his connection to the game while hoping for one more opportunity to prove he belongs on a sideline.
