Gruden eyeing sideline return: 'I'd die to coach in the SEC'

Jon Gruden wants back in the coaching game, and it appears the veteran NFL frontman is eyeing a spot in the collegiate ranks this time around.

Gruden recently spent time at Georgia speaking to the Bulldogs prior to their 2025 season opener, and made it clear he's interested in making the sideline his home once again.

"The only reason I really came here is I want to coach again," Gruden told the team, as captured on his YouTube channel. "I'm being honest with you. I do not bullshit either. I want to coach again. I'd die to coach in the SEC. I would love it."

While Gruden's lengthy NFL career is certainly the lead on his resume, he actually began his coaching life as a graduate assistant at Tennessee. He's been rumored a number of times to be a candidate for various college openings - including with the Volunteers prior to the hire of Josh Heupel.

Gruden's latest NFL job was with the New Orleans Saints as a consultant in 2023 after he resigned from his second stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. Gruden made that decision after unprofessional emails containing homophobic and misogynistic remarks leaked during an investigation into the Washington Commanders and former owner Dan Snyder.

His prior stints with both the Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1998-2008 resulted in five division titles and a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.