Jon Gruden Denies Rumors Linking Him to Jets Coaching Staff
In a recent interview, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden unequivocally dismissed claims that he was approached by the New York Jets regarding a position on head coach Aaron Glenn’s staff for the upcoming season.
Gruden’s Coaching Background
Jon Gruden, who last coached the Raiders before resigning in 2021, has expressed a strong desire to return to the coaching world. Since stepping away from the NFL, he has worked at Barstool Sports, where he often discusses football-related topics.
Recent Developments
During his appearance on 95.3 WDAE in Tampa, Florida, Gruden responded to speculation surrounding his involvement with the Jets. He addressed rumors directly, stating:
“There’s a lot of reports that we’re not going to get into. As you know, there are a lot of stupid rumors out there… Let’s just say there was never anything from the Jets, and I wish them well in their search for a new offensive coordinator.”
The Athletic had previously reported that the Jets reached out to Gruden, although the specific role he was considered for remained unclear.
Reaction from Barstool Sports
Amidst the rumors, Gruden’s employer, Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy, took to social media to voice his opinion, calling it “top 1 most insulting job offers of all time,” emphasizing the absurdity of the speculation surrounding Gruden’s potential engagement with the Jets.
Controversies Surrounding Gruden
Gruden’s tenure as a head coach has been marred by controversy. He resigned from the Raiders following the publication of emails that revealed his use of racist, sexist, and anti-gay language during his time as an analyst for ESPN. These communications were exposed by major outlets like the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Career Highlights
Despite recent setbacks, Gruden boasts an impressive coaching resume, including leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory at the end of the 2002 season. Over his 15 years of coaching the Buccaneers and Raiders, Gruden compiled a record of 117-112 in regular-season play and 5-4 in the playoffs.
Current Involvement in Football
Since his departure from coaching in the NFL, Gruden has not completely faded from the football scene. In 2023, he served as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints and has taken on an advisory role with the Milano Seamen in the European League of Football for the 2024 season.
Final Thoughts
While Gruden continues to cultivate his presence in the football community, it seems the speculation surrounding a possible return to the NFL coaching ranks, particularly with the Jets, is unfounded. With his history and accomplishments, the coaching rumor mill will likely continue to swirling around him.
For those following coaching changes in the NFL, stay updated on the latest news through reliable sources like ESPN and NFL.com.
