Jon Gruden Finally Breaks His Silence On New York Jets Coaching Rumor
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Former Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head Jon Gruden has addressed a rumor that he was recently offered another coaching job.
Gruden resigned as the Raiders’ head coach in the midst of the 2021 season, after emails of his using homophobic, racist, and misogynistic language were leaked. Gruden spent the 2023 season as a consultant on the New Orleans Saints staff under Dennis Allen, but has since returned to media work in a role with Barstool Sports.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Jon Gruden received an offer from the New York Jets’ coaching staff to work under Aaron Glenn. According to the report, “Chucky” declined the offer.
But during an appearance on 95.3 WDAE in Tampa Bay, Jon Gruden poured cold water over that report.
“There’s a lot of stupid rumors out there. Some of these reports are ridiculous. Let’s just say there was never anything from the Jets, and I wish them well in their search for a new offensive coordinator.”
Aaron Glenn cleaned house last week by firing six of his assistants. Then on Tuesday, the team parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Brian Duker was named the new defensive coordinator, replacing Steve Wilks.
But according to Gruden himself, there was never contact with the Jets about potentially joining Glenn’s brand-new coaching staff.
Jon Gruden Had Mixed Results As An NFL Head Coach
Gruden is a legend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Hhe coached the franchise to their first Super Bowl title in the 2002 season. Of course, he was fortunate to inherit a star-studded defense that was built by Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy.
But after their Super Bowl 37 triumph, Gruden only led Tampa Bay to two more playoff appearances (2005 and 2007). They went one-and-done both times, and he was fired after the 2008 season.
Gruden returned to the Raiders on a 10-year, $100 million deal in 2018. During his second tenure there, they never finished better than 8-8 under his watch. And remember, he was essentially in complete control of roster decisions.
