Former Jets QB confirms controversial Super Bowl-winning HC's return to NFL amid New York coaching rumors
On November 13, 2024, former New York Jets quarterback and current WFAN radio host Boomer Esiason gave an important update. This was regarding Jon Gruden, the controversial Super Bowl-winning coach, who is poised to make a comeback in the league.
Esiason's inside information can add fuel to the growing speculation surrounding the Jets' search for a coach as the team struggles through a disappointing 2024 season.
Esiason shared his insights on the WFAN morning show, stating that he had made "a couple of calls" the previous night and could "confirm that (Gruden) definitely wants to get back in 100%."
The former New York Jets quarterback said that Gruden's name has been circulating among various coaching searches. He indicated that the 61-year-old is a serious candidate for the Jets' vacant head coaching position.
Esiason's comments come just weeks after the New York Jets parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh, leaving the team searching for a new leader.
Jeff Ulbrich has been serving as the interim coach, but it is widely expected that the Jets will look to make a more permanent hire during the offseason.
"I want to say, five or six weeks ago when the Jets fired Robson and you started talking about what did the Jets need, who do they need, what, what kind of personality do they need and what kind of legitimacy and credibility do they need and you mentioned one name and that name was John Gruden," Esiason said to the host of the show.
"Now, all of a sudden, the last couple weeks, that name starts, is out there all over the place, like is he, is he a real, is it a realistic situation that he would want to get back into football. I'm telling you right now, a couple of calls last night. Uh, I can confirm that he definitely wants to get back in 100%," Esiason revealed on air.
Jon Gruden has not coached in the league since 2021 when he resigned as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders amid a scandal involving offensive emails he had sent.
Jon Gruden's coaching legacy and the New York Jets' coaching rumors
Jon Gruden's coaching career has been marked by both success and controversy. He led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2002, and throughout his 15-year head coaching career, he compiled a respectable 117-112 record.
However, his tenure with the Raiders ended in a cloud of scandal when the league uncovered emails in which Gruden allegedly used racist, misogynistic and homophobic language.
The New York Jets' potential pursuit of Gruden as their next head coach is sure to divide opinions among the team's passionate fan base. Some may see Gruden as the experienced, high-profile leader the team needs to turn its fortunes around. However, others may be hesitant to welcome him due to lingering concerns over his past behavior.
Gruden made a recent appearance at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers, where he was welcomed back by the Glazer family.
This rekindling of his relationship with the Buccaneers' ownership has sparked speculation that Gruden's redemption tour may be underway, potentially paving the way for a return to the NFL.
"It was very special for Cindy and I to be back in Raymond James Stadium to watch the Buccaneers," Gruden said in a statement. "Thank you to the Glazer family. It was great reuniting with them and we had the best seats in the house. We have great memories of our time with the Buccaneers. We were honored to be there and will continue to cheer them on."
With Gruden's recent reconciliation with the Buccaneers' ownership and the Jets' continued struggles, the potential hiring of the 61-year-old coach will undoubtedly be a topic of intense discussion.