Teams are reportedly showing interest in former Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden for a potential return to the NFL in 2025, according to NFL Network reports. However, this isn't a simple hiring process. Given the controversy surrounding Gruden's past email scandal, teams are conducting thorough investigations into both his coaching abilities and his character.
Gruden's past includes a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging the league leaked his emails, which contained racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks, to force his resignation from the Las Vegas Raiders. In 2022, Gruden expressed remorse for his words, stating, "I’m ashamed about what has come about in these emails, and I’ll make no excuses for it. It’s shameful. But I am a good person... I just ask for forgiveness, and hopefully I get another shot."
Despite the controversy, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero suggested that Gruden's name might surface in head coaching interviews in the near future. Gruden's 10-year contract with the Raiders was terminated in 2021 due to the email scandal. He subsequently joined Barstool Sports in November. Previously, there were rumors of the New Orleans Saints' interest in him joining their staff.
Gruden led the then-Oakland Raiders to the AFC Championship Game in 2000. He also secured a Super Bowl victory (XXXVII) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against his former team, the Raiders, in his first year as their head coach. He was inducted into the Buccaneers' Ring of Honor in 2017 but was later removed in 2021 following the email controversy.
