After a controversial exit from the NFL, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is re-entering the football world, this time through a media partnership.
Gruden has signed a multi-year deal with Barstool Sports, taking on a new role that brings him back into the realm of football analysis.
Barstool Sports announced Grudenās return with a video showcasing his debut moment – an entrance into a “classroom” setting where he humorously corrects a teacher’s breakdown of an NFL play.
True to form, Gruden quickly brings his trademark energy to the scene, instantly engaging the audience with his signature intensity.
In recent months, Gruden has been testing the waters of football commentary.
He appeared on various Barstool Sports shows, including their popular “Pardon My Take” podcast, and even took on a temporary consulting role with the Kansas City Chiefs during training camp.
He also provides plenty of insightful analysis on his own personal YouTube channel.
In-between coaching stints with the Buccaneers and Raiders, Gruden was the lead analyst for Monday Night Football from 2009 to 2017, providing insights that resonated with fans.
His career then pivoted back to coaching, returning to the Raiders in 2018.
However, in 2021, Gruden’s Raiders stint abruptly ended after a series of private emails that contained controversial language were leaked out.
Gruden feels he was unfairly thrown to the wolves and has an ongoing lawsuit against the NFL.
Interestingly, Gruden has not made his intent and interest in returning to coaching a secret. Many league insiders are well-aware of his wishes to return to the sidelines.
Only time will tell if and when that happens…
Grudenās coaching career had initially taken off with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001, before moving on to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2002.
He later left coaching to pursue analysis work, only to rejoin the Raiders in 2018 before his resignation in 2021.
Since then, Gruden has remained largely out of the coaching spotlight, save for a brief consulting role with the New Orleans Saints earlier this year.
In many ways, Gruden seems like a perfect fit for Dave Portnoy and Barstool. He will surely be both entertaining and insightful.
After all, it’s a near-impossible task to find anyone walking this planet who loves football more than Jon Gruden.
What are your thoughts on Chucky joining Barstool?
Do you think we’ll see him coaching again in the future???
