...
By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
In one of the NFL's more shocking preseason storylines that appeared to fly a bit under the radar, former Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden appeared at the Kansas City Chiefs training camp, spotted in complete Chiefs gear.
Read more: Jon Gruden Makes NFL Return With Surprising Team
Gruden most recently served in a consultant role for the Buccaneers in 2023, and most recently served as an advisor to the Milano Seamen in Milano, Italy. He has not fully coached in the NFL since he was fired as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.
Read More on NFL
Despite only serving as a consultant, it appears the Chiefs might be attempting to bring Gruden on in a more substantial role.
According to AtoZ Chiefs reporter Charles Goldman, Gruden has now participated in the Chiefs' camp the last three days. Initial pictures and video showcased Gruden speaking to head coach Andy Reid and others, but it could be that Gruden is carving out a role for himself with the Chiefs.
Gruden's return might not be all that surprising since he was acting as a consultant for the Buccaneers in 2023. However, Gruden potentially coaching for the Chiefs is very shocking.
...
Gruden is a two-time Raiders coach. He initially coached the then-Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001. His second stint was from 2018-21 after a nine-year hiatus during which he became a fixture in sports broadcasting.
Gruden has been a staunch Raiders supporter, so to see him consulting and potentially coaching the Raiders' biggest divisional rival is surprising.
The Chiefs might just be welcoming Gruden as an advisor or consultant for now, and his arrival at camp does not necessarily mean he has a job. However, this could also be a sort of tryout for Gruden to be welcomed in a full-time position.
It will be interesting to see what Coach Reid does in terms of bringing Gruden on, if he does.
During Monday's press conference, Coach Reid briefly discussed having Gruden at camp.
"He loves football and he and I go way back — 30 years so we've known each other a long time," Reid said. "So, it's good to get him up here. He's always got good input on things. [He's] very smart, very good football — great football coach, so [I] enjoy having him around [and he has] great energy."
Gruden was ultimately ostracized from the NFL after a string of emails were discovered that showcased the former Raiders head coach using racist, misogynistic, and homophobic slurs. The emails were discovered when the NFL was investigating the then-Washington Football Team.
More news: Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Forced to Stop Intrasquad Fight During Practice
Gruden resigned from his position as head coach of the Raiders, and he was also removed from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor as a result of the emails.
Since then, Gruden has been attempting to sue the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell over the emails becoming public.
Gruden might still be pursuing his case with the NFL, but he also appears to be attempting to make another comeback with the Chiefs.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines