What's Jon Gruden Doing Now? A Look At His Life After Coaching

Juana Smitham 23 Aug 2025

Many football fans, even today, still wonder about Jon Gruden. He was a coach known for his fiery personality and sharp offensive mind, a true presence on the sidelines. People remember him for his "Chucky" persona and, of course, for leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory. His career took some unexpected turns, and his departure from the Las Vegas Raiders certainly left many with questions.

So, it's almost natural to be curious about what he's up to these days. After all, he spent so much time in the public eye, constantly strategizing and coaching. His story is one that definitely captures attention, moving from the top of the football world to a much quieter life, at least publicly.

This article aims to shed some light on Jon Gruden's current activities, his legal situation, and whether he might ever return to the game he clearly loves. You know, people still talk about his coaching style, and there's a good bit of speculation about his future, too.

Personal Details and Bio Data
A Coach's Early Days and Rise to Fame
The First Raiders Stint and Buccaneers Glory
Time in the Broadcast Booth
The Return to the Raiders
The Controversy and Departure
The Ongoing Legal Battle
What Is Jon Gruden Doing Now?
Will We See Him Back on the Sidelines?
Frequently Asked Questions
Staying Connected to the Game

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Jon David Gruden
Date of Birth	August 17, 1963
Place of Birth	Sandusky, Ohio, U.S.
Age (as of June 10, 2024)	60 years old
Nationality	American
Spouse	Cindy Gruden (m. 1991)
Children	Deuce, Michael, Jayson
College	University of Dayton
Playing Position	Quarterback (college)
Coaching Career Span	1986–2021 (active coaching)
Notable Coaching Roles	Head Coach, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders; Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Super Bowl Wins	XXXVII (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

A Coach's Early Days and Rise to Fame

Jon Gruden's journey in football started a bit like many others, playing college football as a quarterback at the University of Dayton. After his playing days, he quickly moved into coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee in 1986. That, you know, really set the stage for his future.

He spent time in various assistant roles, including a stint as a wide receivers coach for the Green Bay Packers under Mike Holmgren. This period was quite important for his development, as he learned from some of the best minds in the game. He picked up a lot, gaining valuable experience that would shape his own coaching philosophy, and you can see that in his later work.

His reputation as a bright, intense offensive coordinator began to grow. He had a knack for designing plays and motivating players, which made him a desirable candidate for head coaching positions. People in the league started to take notice, and, well, his name started popping up in conversations about rising stars in the coaching world.

The First Raiders Stint and Buccaneers Glory

Gruden got his first head coaching job with the Oakland Raiders in 1998. He was pretty young for a head coach at just 34, but he quickly turned the team around. He brought a lot of energy and a distinct offensive style, leading the Raiders to consecutive playoff appearances. Fans really liked his approach, and the team had a noticeable spark, too it's almost like they found their identity under him.

However, after the 2001 season, a rather surprising trade sent Gruden to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This move shook up the NFL world, as coaches rarely get traded for draft picks and cash. It was a huge story at the time, and, well, everyone was talking about it.

In his very first season with the Buccaneers in 2002, Gruden led the team to Super Bowl XXXVII. In a twist of fate, they faced his former team, the Oakland Raiders. The Buccaneers, known for their powerful defense, completely dominated the game, winning the championship. This victory cemented Gruden's place in NFL history, and it was, honestly, quite an achievement for him so early in his head coaching career.

He coached the Buccaneers for several more seasons, but they couldn't quite replicate that Super Bowl success. Despite some ups and downs, his time in Tampa Bay left an indelible mark on the franchise. He was known for his demanding style and his deep love for the game, which players and fans definitely recognized.

Time in the Broadcast Booth

After being let go by the Buccaneers in 2009, Jon Gruden didn't stay out of the spotlight for long. He transitioned into a role as a football analyst for ESPN, joining the "Monday Night Football" broadcast team. This was a really interesting move for him, and for viewers, too.

His work as an analyst became very popular. He brought his unique coaching insights, his high energy, and his famous catchphrases to a national audience. People loved his passion and his ability to break down plays in a way that made sense to everyone, even casual fans. He had a way of explaining things, you know, that just clicked.

During his time at ESPN, he also hosted "Gruden's QB Camp," a popular segment where he would interview and analyze college quarterback prospects before the NFL Draft. This show gave fans a deeper look into his football mind and his evaluation process. He was, apparently, quite good at spotting talent, and many of those quarterbacks went on to have successful NFL careers.

His media career lasted nearly a decade, and during this period, he was constantly rumored for various coaching vacancies. Teams would always call him, trying to lure him back to the sidelines. He was, in some respects, still very much a part of the football world, just in a different capacity.

The Return to the Raiders

In 2018, after years of speculation, Jon Gruden made a much-anticipated return to coaching, signing a massive 10-year, $100 million contract with the Oakland Raiders, who were planning a move to Las Vegas. This was a truly big deal in the NFL, honestly, a headline-grabbing comeback. Fans were pretty excited about it, hoping he could bring back the team's winning ways.

His second stint with the Raiders was a bit of a mixed bag. He inherited a team that needed a lot of rebuilding, and he worked to reshape the roster through trades and the draft. There were some promising moments, but the team struggled to find consistent success, especially early on. It was, like, a slow process, building things up again.

The Raiders moved to Las Vegas during his tenure, which brought a new era for the franchise. Gruden was at the helm during this transition, trying to establish a new culture in a new city. He was, in fact, still known for his intense work ethic and his deep love for the game, something that never really changed.

However, his second run with the team came to an abrupt end in October 2021, under circumstances that garnered significant national attention. This was, as a matter of fact, a very unexpected turn for everyone involved.

The Controversy and Departure

Jon Gruden's coaching career with the Las Vegas Raiders ended due to a controversy involving emails he sent several years prior to rejoining the team. These emails, which surfaced during an unrelated NFL investigation into the Washington Commanders, contained language that was, well, offensive and discriminatory. They were sent between 2011 and 2018, during his time as an ESPN analyst.

The emails included racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks directed at various individuals, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, former NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, and others. When these communications became public, there was, naturally, a huge outcry. The league and the public reacted very strongly to the content.

The first email to surface, sent in 2011, contained a racist trope about DeMaurice Smith. After this became public, Gruden apologized, but more emails continued to emerge. The sheer volume and nature of the remarks in subsequent emails led to widespread condemnation. It was, you know, a very difficult situation for him and for the Raiders organization.

Under immense pressure, Jon Gruden resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders on October 11, 2021. His resignation marked a sudden and dramatic end to his coaching career, and it left many wondering about his future in football. It was a pretty big shock for the sports world, honestly.

The Ongoing Legal Battle

Following his resignation, Jon Gruden filed a lawsuit against the National Football League and Commissioner Roger Goodell in November 2021. He alleged that the NFL intentionally leaked his private emails to force him out of his job. This lawsuit has been, like, a major point of discussion ever since.

Gruden's lawsuit claims that the NFL's actions were part of a "malicious and orchestrated campaign" to destroy his career and reputation. He argues that the emails were selectively leaked, while other emails from the broader investigation were not made public. This, he says, shows a clear intent to harm him specifically. It's a very serious accusation, and, well, the legal process has been quite complex.

The NFL, on the other hand, has argued that the emails were part of a legitimate investigation and that they were not leaked with malicious intent. They have sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that the dispute should be handled through arbitration, as stipulated in NFL contracts. However, the courts have, so far, allowed the lawsuit to proceed in Nevada. This means it's still an active case, as of June 10, 2024, and, to be honest, it could take some time to resolve.

The legal proceedings have involved a lot of back-and-forth arguments, appeals, and court rulings. This case has drawn a lot of attention because it touches on issues of privacy, professional conduct, and the power dynamics within professional sports leagues. It's definitely a situation that many people are watching closely, wondering how it will all play out.

What Is Jon Gruden Doing Now?

Since his resignation from the Raiders in October 2021 and the subsequent lawsuit, Jon Gruden has largely stayed out of the public eye. He has not taken on any new coaching or media roles. His primary focus appears to be on his family and his ongoing legal battle with the NFL. He's, you know, keeping a pretty low profile.

Reports and occasional sightings suggest he spends time in Florida, where he has long had a home. He's been seen attending some local football games, often supporting his sons' teams or high school programs. This shows he still has a deep connection to the sport, even if he's not coaching at the professional level. People looking up news on their new Apple iPad or a laptop bought from Best Buy could easily find updates on his current situation, though they are few and far between.

He has made very few public statements since his departure, mostly through his legal team regarding the lawsuit. This quiet period is a stark contrast to his previous high-profile life as an NFL coach and a popular television analyst. He's, apparently, just living a more private existence now.

While he hasn't been active in the NFL, his name sometimes comes up in discussions about potential coaching candidates, especially when teams are struggling. However, given the circumstances of his departure and the ongoing lawsuit, any return to the league seems, arguably, quite unlikely in the immediate future. Even folks out in areas using Starlink internet from Best Buy might keep up with the latest reports, but there's not much new to report on his day-to-day.

He is, basically, navigating a very different chapter of his life, away from the intense scrutiny of professional football. His current activities revolve more around personal matters and the legal process, rather than the strategic planning of football games. It's a big change for someone who lived and breathed the game for so long.

Will We See Him Back on the Sidelines?

The question of whether Jon Gruden will ever coach in the NFL again is one that many fans and analysts ponder. His lawsuit against the NFL is a significant hurdle. Until that legal situation is resolved, it's pretty hard to imagine any team seriously considering him for a coaching position. The league, you know, would likely have concerns.

Even if the lawsuit were to conclude in his favor, the controversy surrounding the emails themselves remains a major factor. NFL teams and owners are very sensitive to public perception and potential backlash. Hiring someone with that kind of baggage would be a very risky move for any franchise. It's, well, a tough spot for him.

Some speculate he might consider a college coaching job, where the scrutiny might be different, or perhaps even a role in a different professional league. However, there have been no concrete reports or indications that he is actively pursuing any coaching opportunities at this time. He seems, quite honestly, focused elsewhere.

For now, it seems Jon Gruden's future in football, especially in the NFL, is very much uncertain. His legacy as a Super Bowl-winning coach is secure, but his path back to the sidelines, if one exists, appears long and complicated. Fans, maybe watching games on NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV, might still wonder about his presence, but it's not something anyone can predict easily right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jon Gruden still suing the NFL?

Yes, as of June 10, 2024, Jon Gruden's lawsuit against the National Football League and Commissioner Roger Goodell is still ongoing. The case is proceeding in Nevada courts, with various appeals and legal motions being heard. It's, basically, a continuing legal battle.

Will Jon Gruden coach again?

Whether Jon Gruden will coach again, especially in the NFL, remains a big question mark. His ongoing lawsuit and the nature of the emails that led to his resignation present significant obstacles. There are no current indications he is actively pursuing coaching roles, and, well, any return would be quite complex.

What was Jon Gruden's coaching record?

Jon Gruden's overall NFL regular season coaching record is 100 wins and 85 losses. He also holds a Super Bowl XXXVII victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had a pretty solid record, you know, over his time in the league.

Staying Connected to the Game

While Jon Gruden's direct involvement in professional football is on hold, the game itself continues to evolve. Fans can still catch every game, every Sunday, with NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, which offers local and national games, plus over 100 live channels. It's a great way to stay connected to the action, and, you know, maybe even ponder what might have been for certain coaches.

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