Jon Gruden Reportedly Turned Down NFL Coaching Job

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 27, 2026 8:39 PM ET

Apparently, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden turned down the chance to return to the NFL this offseason.

Gruden, 62, hasn't been coaching in the NFL since the 2021 season when he resigned from his role with the Raiders. This decision was made after old emails of his that contained racist, misogynistic and homophobic language were uncovered. He then sued the NFL for allegedly forming a "malicious and orchestrated campaign" to take him down. This legal situation is still up in the air right now.

Even though Gruden has been away from the NFL for a few years now, the New York Jets reportedly reached out to him about joining Aaron Glenn's staff. The former head coach was briefly a consultant for the New Orleans Saints in 2022 during training camp. Perhaps the Jets had a similar role in mind.

Unfortunately for the Jets, they won't be adding Gruden to their staff. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic is reporting that Gruden turned down Glenn's offer.

Former NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]© Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rough stretch for the Jets.

On Tuesday, the Jets parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. That move surprised plenty of fans in large part because he didn't have much to work with during the 2025 season.

The Jets have also fired pass game coordinator Scott Turner, assistant defensive backs coach Dre Bly, linebackers coach Aaron Curry, quarterbacks coach Charles London, and defensive assistants Alonso Escalante and Roosevelt Williams in just the past week alone.

If the Jets are going to turn things around in 2026, Glenn will need to get the right coaches in place. According to reports, he could add Wink Martindale and Frank Reich to his staff.

All we know for now is that Gruden isn't joining Glenn in New York.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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