Jon Gruden Eyes Surprising New NFL Career Move

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Jon Gruden may not be finished with NFL broadcasting just yet.

The former Super Bowl-winning head coach recently revealed that he hopes to return to the booth. However, it isn’t the role most fans would expect.

Gruden says he’d like to become a play-by-play announcer.

The 61-year-old spent nine seasons as an analyst on ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football’ before returning to coaching with the Oakland Raiders in 2018. During that run, he became one of football’s most recognizable television personalities thanks to his high energy, quarterback breakdowns and popular “Gruden’s Grinders” segments.

Now, he’s ready for a new challenge.

“I was a broadcaster for nine years,” Gruden said on ‘The Ira Kaufman Podcast’. “I want to be play-by-play. You know, Frank Gifford, he transitioned into the play-by-play role. I would like to transition. I had nine years of watching these guys — Mike Tirico. And I’d like to give that a shot, man.”

Jon Gruden Has His Work Cut Out For Him

Gruden credited longtime broadcasting partner Mike Tirico as one of the people who inspired him to pursue the role.

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Raiders coach has remained active in football since leaving the NFL in 2021. He now creates content with Barstool Sports, where he breaks down film, interviews players and coaches, and shares stories from his decades in the game.

Although Gruden has occasionally been linked to coaching opportunities, he has not returned to an NFL sideline since resigning after emails containing offensive language became public during the league’s investigation into the Washington Commanders organization.

Play-by-play positions at the NFL level rarely become available, making Gruden’s goal a long shot.

Still, his years of broadcasting experience and football knowledge could make him an intriguing candidate should the right opportunity arise.