Jon Gruden Reveals the Role He Wants in Football

It has been several years since Jon Gruden last worked in the NFL. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders head coach has remained around football, but he no longer patrols the sidelines or works for a television network.

Now, Gruden has revealed where he hopes his career heads next.

Gruden Wants Another Opportunity in Broadcasting

Gruden recently appeared on the Ira Kaufman Podcast and admitted he would welcome another opportunity in the broadcast booth. However, he is aiming for a different position than the one he previously held.

“I was a broadcaster for nine years,” Gruden said, per JoeBucsFan. “I want to be play-by-play. You know, Frank Gifford, he transitioned into the play-by-play role. I would like to transition. I had nine years of watching these guys, [Mike] Tirico. And I’d like to give that a shot.”

Gruden spent nine seasons at ESPN from 2009 through 2017. During that time, he served as a color analyst on Monday Night Football while also hosting the popular Jon Gruden’s QB Camp.

Coaching Return Remains Uncertain

Gruden returned to coaching in 2018 for a second stint with the Raiders. That run ended in 2021 after emails he wrote between 2011 and 2018 became public. The emails contained racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language, leading Gruden to resign.

Since leaving the Raiders, Gruden has worked in consulting roles before joining Barstool Sports as an NFL personality. Even while working in media, he has continued expressing interest in returning to a larger football role.

A return to coaching, however, appears unlikely in the near future.

Legal Battle Still Looms

Gruden continues pursuing legal action against the NFL over the release of his emails. His lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in May 2027.

Until that case concludes, another NFL coaching opportunity appears difficult to envision.

Broadcasting, however, presents a different possibility.

Could Another Network Take a Chance?

Gruden’s football knowledge has never been questioned. His years as both a coach and analyst made him one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities.

His reputation has also improved in recent years. Tampa Bay reinstated Gruden into the franchise’s Ring of Honor, and his work with Barstool Sports has kept him connected to football fans.

Whether ESPN or another network is willing to bring him back remains the biggest question. Any broadcaster would need to decide whether Gruden’s experience outweighs the controversy that ended his NFL coaching career.

For now, Gruden remains with Barstool Sports while keeping an eye on the next chapter of his football career. Whether that opportunity arrives in a broadcast booth remains to be seen, but it is clearly the role he wants most.