Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has recently been linked with a return to the sidelines, according to various reports. The Super Bowl-winning coach has been out of the league since resigning from his role with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. Gruden's exit was marred with controversy amidst unacceptable off-field behavior that was revealed via a league investigation into workplace conduct.
Despite his dismissal, Gruden's name is now circulating as a potential candidate in the upcoming coaching carousel. It's worth noting Gruden has an active lawsuit against the NFL and its commissioner Roger Goodell. That certainly complicates matters.
Gruden would certainly welcome any invitation to return to coaching. With Tom Pelissero's report in mind, we've identified three potential landing spots for Gruden.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are an NFL-worst 3-13. If they lose to the Buffalo Bills in their Week 18 regular-season finale, they'll clinch the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Head coach Jerod Mayo was met with "fire Mayo" chants in Saturday's embarrassing 40-7 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Patriots should stick with the course with Mayo, who inherited a clear and difficult rebuild from Bill Belichick. If owner Robert Kraft is second-guessing Mayo's potential, however, identifying Gruden as a candidate feels within the realm of possibility. Gruden possesses a brilliant offensive mind and Kraft is no stranger to controversy. The veteran coach and play-caller would be capable of developing Drake Maye into a legitimate franchise quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have not taken the desired steps forward throughout the 2024 campaign. Shane Steichen's squad was officially eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday after losing 45-33 to the New York Giants. That marked the Giants' first victory following a 10-game losing streak. The Colts have never won an average AFC South division throughout Chris Ballard's eight-year tenure as general manager. Sweeping changes may arrive at Indianapolis' doorstep this offseason.
Will Ballard return? Is Steichen still the correct coach to oversee Anthony Richardson's slow-moving development? Owner Jim Irsay is braggadocious enough to consider appointing Gruden if he's truly pondering a coaching change. Gruden would be entrusted with making Richardson a more patient, accurate, quarterback. He’d feel up to the task.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Owner Shad Khan is an unpredictable decision-maker. Head coach Doug Pederson is likely to be relieved of his duties following the Week 18 finale. Khan called the 2024 Jacksonville Jaguars "the best roster we've assembled," and the current result is a 4-12 record. General manager Trent Baalke is also at risk of being dismissed.
Khan once hired Urban Meyer despite being aware of the risks involved. You can't put anything past Khan, who loves making splash hires. Gruden would certainly check those boxes. And surely Gruden would possess interest in inheriting a franchise quarterback like Trevor Lawrence. His offense would be an ideal fit to get Lawrence's development back on track after a disappointing year in Pederson's scheme. Knowing how Jacksonville operates, they'll leave no stone unturned this summer.
