Bucs Make Surprising Jon Gruden Announcement

Thursday, the team announced that they would be reinstating their Super Bowl-winning coach back into the ring, reconciling the honor he first received back in 2017. 

"Jon Gruden was initially inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor based on his many accomplishments as our head coach and he remains a significant figure in the history of our franchise," the team said in a statement.  

"Upon further reflection, we have decided to reinstate him into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor."

According to Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times, this process began at a celebration of life for Monte Kiffin back in July. Gruden reconnected with the Glazer family at the event and attended the Bucs' home game against the San Francisco 49ers this past fall, sitting in a suite with team ownership. 

“I got a chance to get reconnected this season at a game with the Buccaneers...Some of my best memories in life were at Raymond James Stadium with the Bucs and it’s a great feeling and a great honor," Gruden told Stroud. 

Gruden coached the Bucs from 2002-08, leading the team to a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. He compiled a 57-55 record across his seven seasons and led the Bucs to the postseason three times. 

Though some initial speculation circulated about his potential return to the sidelines in a head coaching role this offseason, nothing besides light chatter came to fruition. 

There is no timetable for the official reintroduction of Gruden though it will likely be announced following the release of the team's official schedule for the 2025 season.