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Ex-Raider Jon Gruden Floated as Possible HC Replacement for Historic Franchise

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Austin C. Boyd | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 7:04 PM ET

After the email scandal that led Jon Gruden to resign from his job as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, it appeared his coaching career could be over. The fact that he sued the NFL won't help him.

However, there has been some momentum that the controversial head coach could return to an NFL sideline. A return to the Raiders isn't going to happen, but it just takes one team to be willing to take the risk.

That's where the Miami Dolphins come in. Head coach Mike McDaniel has proven to be a strong offensive mind, but he's openly admitted that it's been difficult to get players to respect his rules.

If the Dolphins have another bad season, McDaniel will likely be fired.

Notably, Gruden lives in Florida, and it's easy to see him jump at the chance to coach in Miami. Former NFL scout John Middlekauff believes that it's a matter of time before Gruden is coaching again, and he thinks the Dolphins would be a logical spot.

"I would say, it'd be on the table," Middlekauff said when asked if Gruden to the Dolphins could happen next offseason on the "3 and Out with John Middlekauff" podcast. "I think if they suck this year, which I think is a decent chance ... that owner has proven to be nuts, he's proven to be going after big fish."

If the NFL doesn't come calling, Middlekauff thinks that Gruden will settle for coaching at the college level.

"My guess would be that in January of 2026, Jon Gruden is either the head coach of a college team ... or a team like the Dolphins," Middlekauff added.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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