Sportsnaut
There was a time when Jon Gruden was viewed as the next brilliant up-and-coming NFL head coach. After all, back in 2002, he was the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl, setting a new NFL record. While that record has since been broken by his former proteges, Mike Tomlin and Sean McVay, who both won at the age of 36, it demonstrates how he was once the NFL’s trendsetting young hotshot coach.
Gruden was an NFL head coach for 15 seasons before resigning in 2021 after facing heat when some of his controversial emails came to light. Gruden has seemingly been lurking around NFL training camps and facilities ever since.
The former Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach’s most recent pit stop came with the Detroit Lions, who had to get a new offensive coordinator this offseason after Ben Johnson took a promotion with the rival Chicago Bears.
While it doesn’t appear that Gruden has been hired for a position on Lions coach Dan Campbell’s staff, the former Super Bowl winner insists he’s still hoping for “one more shot.” Gruden says, “I’m about to make a comeback.”
For a coach who has a lot of coaching connections around the NFL, which team could Gruden join? Let’s take a few guesses while keeping Gruden’s coaching tree in mind.
Related: NFL Expert: Shedeur Sanders is Not a Viable Starting Quarterback Option
Arthur Smith is heading into his second season as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator/playcaller. As a former NFL head coach, he likely doesn’t need another hand as experienced as Gruden, especially since this isn’t a team that’s developing a young quarterback for a big role. Plus, the presence of grizzled vet Aaron Rodgers makes this partnership unlikely.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers Release Former All-Pro on His Day Off
Sean McVay has come close to getting burnt out before. He’s found a way to reignite that competitive flame as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams in recent seasons. Yet, it likely wouldn’t hurt to have another respected voice to reinforce coach McVay’s talking points. While Matthew Stafford may not need a ton of help week in, week out, backup Stetson Bennett could likely use a bit of extra seasoning while the Rams try to determine if he can be a bigger part of their future.
Related: Los Angeles Rams Eyeing Highly-Touted QB as Matthew Stafford’s Replacement
The San Francisco 49ers feel like they’re starting from scratch after surprisingly missing the playoffs last season. They’re working in several new starters on both sides of the ball, which will inevitably require more of coach Kyle Shanahan’s attention. The 49ers’ receiver group is especially fascinating, and Gruden’s 18 seasons as an NFL head coach/offensive coordinator could certainly be a big help in the Bay Area.
Related: Top Free Agent Campaigns to Join San Francisco 49ers
Granted, Andy Reid has proven he doesn’t need much outside...
