Jon Gruden has expressed a strong desire to resume his coaching career in American football, but a potential role with the New York Jets appears to be off the table, according to recent reports. The former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been absent from the NFL since his resignation in 2021, following the disclosure of offensive emails from his past.
Gruden's Coaching Ambitions and Jets Snub
Gruden has publicly stated his intention to make a comeback, either in the NFL or at the college level, telling reporters in July that he is "working hard to maybe get one more shot." However, sources indicate that when an opportunity arose from embattled Jets first-year coach Aaron Glenn, Gruden was not interested. This disinterest has sparked reactions from Jets fans, who are enduring a difficult period for the franchise.
Fan Reactions and Team Perception
Many supporters expressed frustration on social media, with one noting that Gruden's lack of interest highlights how the league might view the Jets internally. Another fan commented that Gruden is avoiding the "chaos" of the team, reflecting broader concerns about the organisation's direction after a 3-14 season and a prolonged playoff drought since 2011.
The Email Scandal and Legal Battle
Gruden's exit from the NFL stemmed from the surfacing of years-old emails containing racist and homophobic language, which were published by the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. The messages, sent between 2011 and 2018 while Gruden was an analyst at ESPN, targeted figures such as former union chief DeMaurice Smith and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Gruden's Lawsuit and Allegations
In response, Gruden has sued the NFL and Goodell, alleging that the league pressured the Raiders to fire him by leaking the emails. However, the NFL has denied these claims, with Goodell's spokesman refuting any involvement. The league has also sought to move the dispute out of public court, filing an appeal against a Nevada judge's ruling in August.
Alternative Theories on the Leak
While Gruden points fingers at the NFL, ESPN reported in 2023 that former Washington owner Dan Snyder might have leaked the emails to deflect criticism from a sexual harassment scandal. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy, which emerged during the NFL's investigation into the Washington Football Team's workplace culture.
Gruden's Coaching Legacy and Recent Struggles
Gruden began his coaching career on the offensive side before taking the Oakland Raiders' head-coaching job in 1998. He later led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory over the Raiders. His return to the Raiders in 2018, including the team's move to Las Vegas, was less successful, failing to reach the postseason and ending amid the email scandal.
As Gruden navigates his legal challenges and pursues a coaching return, his rejection of the Jets role underscores the hurdles he faces in rebuilding his reputation and career in a league still grappling with the fallout from his past actions.
