The New York Jets fired numerous coaches this offseason following a terrible 3-14 season, including both their defensive and offensive coordinators.
In an effort to see the team improve, the Jets reached out to a former Super Bowl-winning head coach, but he turned them down.
The Coach the New York Jets Reached Out to Will Shock You
There’s no need to bury the lede: According to Zack Rosenblatt of “The Athletic,” the Jets reached out to Jon Gruden about joining the staff.
Gruden turned them down. “The #Jets reached out to Jon Gruden about the idea of joining Aaron Glenn’s staff, according to multiple sources. Gruden wasn’t interested in the job,” Rosenblatt said.
Gruden’s last stint in the NFL was as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints in 2023. His last legitimate coaching gig was with the Las Vegas Raiders when he was fired midseason after numerous emails leaked during an investigation into the Washington Commanders’ workplace misconduct in October 2021.
Since then, Gruden has been an advisor for the Milano Seamen, an American football team based in Milan, Italy, for the Italian Football League.
He’s also been with Barstool Sports since 2024, where he produces video content, including overviews of football terminology, interviews, game previews, and more. He also appears on “Wake Up Barstool,” and he recently commented on the Buffalo Bills’ firing of head coach Sean McDermott, and needless to say, he wasn’t a fan of the decision.
As for the role the Jets were calling about, it’s unclear. Before becoming a head coach, Gruden was an offensive coach, serving as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator from 1995 to 1997 and in other offensive roles, including passing game coordinator, tight ends coach, offensive assistant, and wide receivers coach.
On the “Up & Adams Show” with Kay Adams, Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller said that he knows for a fact Gruden wants to coach in the NFL again, so turning down the Jets probably indicates either that he didn’t want to job that was being offered, or, let’s be honest, he doesn’t want to work for the Jets.
In addition to going 3-14, the Jets finished 29th in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a 58.7 grade. They also finished 31st in PFSN’s Defense Impact with a 62.8 score.
It remains to be seen if Gruden will get another chance to coach in the NFL. His passion for the game is obviously still there, but we’ll see if another team, like the Jets, gives him a potential opportunity.
