Could Jon Gruden really return to the NFL? The complicated case for a comeback

Jon Gruden hasn’t coached an NFL game since resigning from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, but his name continues to surface in league conversations, even after his controversial exit.

That tension was on display this week when ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano identified Gruden as one of the most intriguing head coaching candidates not currently on an NFL sideline. It was a surprising mention, but it shows just how complicated Gruden’s standing in the league remains as they aren’t the only ones to entertain the idea.

Why Gruden’s name is back in the conversation

After the Raiders fired Pete Carroll on Monday, Graziano and Fowler were discussing potential coaching candidates outside the NFL, and Graziano acknowledged the limited pool of compelling offensive-minded options. Even so, Gruden’s name came up. Fowler echoed that sentiment, noting that interest wouldn’t be shocking, assuming one major hurdle is eventually cleared.

“It wouldn’t shock me if teams wanted to speak with Gruden, assuming his lawsuit will reach a conclusion at some point,” Fowler wrote. “In a year with limited offensive options, this would be the time. His imprint is still all over the NFL coaching landscape.”

Gruden’s offensive philosophies are still embedded across coaching staffs, quarterback rooms and playbooks leaguewide, even years after his last stint on the sideline. With the postseason in full swing, several coaching positions have opened up, including with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Gruden’s talents might be sought after.

Since leaving the Raiders, Gruden hasn’t disappeared from the football entirely. He consulted for the New Orleans Saints in 2023 and is currently a part-owner and consultant for the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football One league. Those roles have kept him connected, visible and relevant to decision-makers across football. Still, visibility alone doesn’t erase the circumstances of his departure.

Why Gruden remains controversial

Gruden resigned in October 2021 after emails he sent years earlier were published, containing racist, misogynistic and homophobic language. The fallout was swift and decisive.

One month later, Gruden filed a lawsuit against the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell, alleging a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” to destroy his career through the selective leaking of those emails.

That legal battle remains unresolved, and it continues to cloud any realistic path back to an NFL head coaching job.

Recently, the Nevada Supreme Court sent Gruden’s case back to District Court, prompting the NFL to file two motions seeking dismissal. The league argues that Gruden does not dispute sending the emails, his claims are barred by Nevada’s anti-SLAPP statute, and that the lawsuit improperly targets protected First Amendment activity. Previously, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the NFL’s arbitration clause does not apply to Gruden as a former employee, a key development that kept the case alive.

Until that litigation is resolved, teams would be taking on significant risk by even initiating formal talks with Gruden.

Could a team actually hire Gruden?

That’s the central question, and the answer is “not yet, and maybe never.”

While Gruden’s coaching career and offensive background are significant, the optics, legal uncertainty, and public backlash would be major considerations for any ownership group. At the same time, Fowler’s point is telling: in a year with limited offensive coaching candidates, names that once felt impossible have a way of resurfacing.

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