Jon Gruden Eyeing College HC Gig

Jon Gruden‘s lawsuit against the NFL has not been settled, and a return to the pro coaching ranks before it does remains highly unlikely. In the meantime, the former Raiders head coach is open to a college head coaching opportunity.

“Yeah, I’m interested in coaching,” Gruden said during an interview with CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello“Hell yeah, I’m interested in coaching. I know I can help a team, I know I can help young players get better, and I know I can hire a good staff, and that’s the only thing I can guarantee. But yeah, I’m very interested in coaching at any level, period.”

The 61-year-old resigned midway through the 2021 season after emails he sent while an ESPN analyst were uncovered during an investigation into former Commanders owner Dan Snyder. Gruden filed a suit against the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell, one which the league has attempted to handle via arbitration. Gruden has pressed to have the case heard in open court, although that process has hit a number of obstacles. In July, his legal team asked to have a split decision by the Nevada Supreme Court favoring arbitration overturned.

It remains to be seen if the case will ultimately be presided over by Goodell or an appointee (if the arbitration route is taken) or in open court provided Gruden’s appeals processes work out. A full-time coaching gig at the NFL level would come as a surprise at this point, but the former Buccaneers Super Bowl winner has played a temporary role on staffs recently. Gruden worked as a consultant with the Saints last year, and he spent time alongside Andy Reid and the Chiefs this offseason. His stock could be rebuilt with a successful run at the NCAA level.

Marcello notes that opinion is split amongst college administration officials and athletic directors with respect to a potential Gruden hire. A number of coaches with past off-the-field issues have received second chances at the NCAA level, though, and a market could pick up as Gruden eyes a long-term opportunity to coach again. It will be interesting to see if he manages to land a college gig while his lawsuit against the NFL continues to play out.

“If there’s somebody out there that thinks they need a candidate, somebody to come in there, maybe lather it up a little bit, jazz it up a little bit, I’ll be down here in Tampa,” Gruden added. “I’ll be ready to go if needed.”

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