Jon Gruden Announces Career Decision During College Football Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 12:19 PM ET

Jon Gruden’s NFL coaching career remains one of the most recognizable in modern football history. He began his head coaching journey with the Oakland Raiders in the late 1990s before moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he led the franchise to a Super Bowl title in the 2002 season.

After a decade in broadcasting, he returned to the Raiders in 2018 on a 10-year, $100 million deal but resigned midseason in 2021 following the email controversy that rocked the league. Since then, Gruden has stayed out of the NFL spotlight but has been linked with several potential returns, including reported interest from the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints earlier in the year. Despite the speculation, he has yet to take on a formal coaching role.

Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden ©Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

While Gruden’s NFL comeback remains uncertain, he is officially returning to the sidelines to coach in the 2026 Hula Bowl. The event’s organizers confirmed the news in a video posted on social media featuring Nick Logan, Jon Gruden, and Jay Gruden.

“ Exciting Announcement! We’re thrilled to welcome Jon and Jay Gruden as our 2026 Hula Bowl All-Star Game coaches!”

In the video, Gruden expressed excitement about the opportunity

Exciting Announcement!

We’re thrilled to welcome Jon and Jay Gruden as our 2026 Hula Bowl All-Star Game coaches!

All-Star Week kicks off January 5th
Game Day: January 10th at Spec Martin Stadium
Watch it LIVE on CBS Sports
More info https://t.co/cWdTQWLgFk… pic.twitter.com/tPcsPts8da
— Hula Bowl (@Hula_Bowl) October 14, 2025

“I’m excited to be coaching again,” Jon Gruden said. “I take it really serious. I’ve had a chance to coach the Senior Bowl in the past. This Hula Bowl classic is awesome. We want to service the players, try to help these guys get better and get prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, and have some fun too in the process. I have a chance to go up against my brother, Jay.”

Jay Gruden also added, humorously: “All those years of him beating me up as a kid, I get to finally get him back. But this is about the players… I’m looking forward to coaching again.”

Jon Gruden, who holds a 117–112 regular-season record and 5-5 postseason mark, remains widely respected for his offensive acumen and leadership. The Hula Bowl, a prestigious college all-star showcase aimed at helping prospects transition to the NFL, is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2026. The event marks Gruden’s first coaching role in over four years and could signal the beginning of a potential path back to professional football.

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

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