A quick look around the AFC West shows that if Jon Gruden does indeed come back like he says, it likely won’t be in a familiar division.
Every year, the same question is asked of a handful of former NFL coaches: are you coming back? In the wake of their retirements, successful head coaches are typically asked whether or not they will return to the sidelines. Tony Dungy has endured those questions. Bill Cowher as well. Jon Gruden is another name that comes up, especially given his higher profile and QB Camp on ESPN every year. And it’s clear he still has the itch. In fact, he recently stated in an interview that he was on the verge of returning.
In an interview with Pewter Report, Gruden mentioned that he’s been “preparing to come back.” The winning coach of Super Bowl 37 comes with an impressive resume that begins with a Lombardi Trophy and includes four division titles—two each with the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gruden’s career record is 95-81 and he has a winning record in the postseason at 5-4 all-time.
"“I’ve met with several people – I won’t deny that,” Gruden said. “People – just about every year I talk about coming back to coach. I’m not in here every day at 4:30 or 4:00 in the morning watching pinball. You know? I’m preparing myself to come back. I am. Every day. I’m preparing to come back.”"
The question is where Gruden could land, but unfortunately for him (if he wanted), it doesn’t seem like a homecoming with the Raiders could happen anytime soon. The team is red hot and is one the trendiest picks to win big in 2017 as well. There’s no way Jack Del Rio’s seat is warm enough for even a surprising move.
Looking elsewhere in the AFC West and it’s clear that Gruden wouldn’t work anywhere else either. One year ago, it would have been wide open. Andy Reid was even playing out his last year of his contract, but now he’s signed for another five seasons (not that it would have happened anyway). The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers were both in the market for new head coaches just a few months ago, but they’ve inked their choices with Vance Joseph and Anthony Lynn, respectively.
If Gruden does return to the sidelines as an NFL head coach after nearly a decade away, it will likely be with a brand new team. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trending upward and seem in good hands under Dirk Koetter’s leadership. So maybe a new team like the Indianapolis Colts? The Arizona Cardinals (if Bruce Arians steps aside for health reasons)? It will be interesting to see.