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Jon Gruden Unanimously Chosen as Replacement for Disappointing NFL Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 11:09 AM ET

It was not the start Mike McDaniel and the Miami Dolphins were expecting. There was plenty of talk about the head coach being on the hot seat to start the season, and his team and their Week 1 performance did not help the cause.

The Dolphins got smoked 33-8 on the road by the Indianapolis Colts.

Fans were none too thrilled with McDaniel and quickly turned to a familiar name as the replacement when he eventually gets fired by the organization.

The name was none other than Jon Gruden. The 62-year-old was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they won Super Bowl XXXVII and is part of the Ring of Honor in Tampa Bay.

Gruden has a 117-112 record as a head coach in Tampa Bay and in two stints with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders franchise. He resigned from this post with the Raiders in 2021 after racist, misogynistic and homophobic emails he sent in 2018 came to light.

It was not just one or two voices that were clamoring for Gruden. Here are a handful of the advocates for "Chucky."

This one got it started: "Can we please fire Mike McDaniel and bring in Jon Gruden. #Dolphins"

Bold take here: "Jon Gruden will be coaching the Dolphins by week 4."

"Jon Gruden, next head coach of the Dolphins.. speaking it into existence," from this commenter.

Another hot take here: "One of the people who covers the Miami Dolphins (sorry, I read a LOT of posts yesterday) made a very good comment about how Miami's next head coach should have actual experience as a head coach. I concur. Jon Gruden is a name I keep hearing, and the idea of Jason Garrett is intriguing, but I would MUCH rather have a head coach with a defensive background."

Some advice from this fan: "The Dolphins should give Jon Gruden a call."

McDaniel came into the season 28-23 in three full seasons with the Dolphins. After reaching the postseason in his first two seasons, the Dolphins dropped to 8-9 in 2024 and appear to be heading backward for the 2025 season.

The head coach lost both playoff games — in 2022 to the Buffalo Bills and in 2023 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tua Tagovailoa was not strong for Miami in the loss. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. The signal-caller threw two interceptions. The big news came from Tyreek Hill, who finished with just 40 yards receiving.

Miami's next chance to win its first game of the 2025 season comes on Sunday at home against the New England Patriots.

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

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