Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden was removed from the league in 2021 after leaked emails revealed racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks made between him and then Washington Commanders general manager Bruce Allen. Gruden resigned from his position in the Raiders, and since then, he has been working as a consultant. Despite his controversial past, Gruden’s name has been circulating in the upcoming head coach hiring cycle for 2025, as reported by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. However, the biggest obstacle to his return is an ongoing lawsuit against the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The lawsuit filed by Gruden is set to undergo a full Nevada Supreme Court review regarding the leaked emails that led to his resignation. This legal battle could harm his chances of being hired as head coach of an NFL team, especially given the current controversy surrounding him. Other potential candidates for head coaching positions in 2025, such as Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson, do not have any ongoing controversies and are likely to be considered more favorably by teams looking for new leadership. The New York Jets and Chicago Bears are already searching for replacements, and teams like the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants may also be looking for new head coaches in the near future.
Many teams may prefer to hire candidates without any ongoing legal issues or controversies, making Gruden’s return to coaching uncertain. While he has been active as a consultant with teams like the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs, his lawsuit against the NFL could hinder his chances of being hired as a head coach. Despite being mentioned as a potential candidate, it is unclear if Gruden will ultimately be considered for any head coaching positions in the upcoming hiring cycle for 2025. Teams will need to weigh the potential risks and controversies associated with hiring Gruden before making any decisions.
The NFL coaching carousel for 2025 is already in motion, with several teams in need of new leadership and potential candidates being considered for head coaching positions. Gruden’s name has resurfaced as a potential candidate despite his tumultuous exit from the league in 2021. However, the ongoing lawsuit against the NFL and Commissioner Goodell may complicate his chances of being hired as a head coach. As teams continue their search for new leadership, they will need to carefully consider all factors, including any legal issues or controversies surrounding potential candidates like Jon Gruden.
While Gruden’s consulting work with various teams since his resignation from the Raiders has kept him in the NFL spotlight, his return as a head coach remains uncertain. The controversy surrounding the leaked emails and his ongoing lawsuit against the NFL may be significant obstacles to his potential return to coaching. As the coaching carousel for 2025 continues to turn, teams will need to weigh the risks and benefits of hiring Gruden, alongside other potential candidates, to make the best decisions for their organizations. Ultimately, it will be up to individual teams to decide whether they are willing to overlook the controversies and legal issues associated with Gruden and consider him for a head coaching position in the upcoming hiring cycle.
