The ex-NFL coach indicated his interest in taking on a coaching role in college football during a conversation with Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports.
“Yeah, I’m interested in coaching,” Gruden stated. “My father was a college coach, I served as a college coach at Pitt, and my wife was a cheerleader at Tennessee when I met her. Hell yeah, I’m interested in coaching. I believe I can contribute to a team and help young players develop; I also know how to assemble a strong coaching staff, and that’s something I can assure. So yes, I’m very interested in coaching at any level. Period.”
Gruden Seeks to Move Past 2021 Controversy
Since 2021, Gruden has not held any coaching role. He resignated from his position as head coach of the Raiders following a report by The New York Times, which uncovered several homophobic, racist, and sexist emails he had sent during his time as an ESPN analyst from 2011 to 2018. In the aftermath, Gruden has worked privately with quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Gardner Minshew at his off-season training facility and acted as a consultant for the Saints last year.
The former Raiders coach has been cautious when discussing his dismissal, telling CBS that he’s letting “the due process will take care of itself” for now. Gruden filed a lawsuit against the NFL in November 2021, alleging that Goodell and/or others leaked his emails to the press to facilitate his termination.
In the past, Gruden was not receptive to college coaching offers, but he is now open to exploring opportunities in light of his current circumstances.
“If there’s someone out there who believes they need a candidate, someone to come in and maybe spice things up a bit, I’ll be right here in Tampa,” Gruden remarked. “I’ll be ready to go if called upon.”
