Jon Gruden’s agent makes bold claim

Aug 18, 2021; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Gruden was forced to resign as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders midway through the 2021 season over a leaked email scandal. Many have predicted that we have seen the last of him in the NFL, but Gruden’s agent says that is a poor assumption.

Bob LaMonte, who has represented Gruden for many years, recently told Ira Kaufman of JoeBucsFan.com that he believes the 58-year-old will coach again.

“I really believe in my heart and soul he will coach again,” LaMonte said. “I’d be very surprised if he didn’t.”

Gruden stepped down last October after emails he sent from his personal account to then-Tampa Bay Buccaneers executive Bruce Allen were leaked to a few media outlets. The emails, which were written between 2011-2018, contained gay slurs and other inappropriate content. He is suing the NFL, alleging that the league held onto emails and selectively leaked them with the purpose of forcing Gruden to lose his job.

The NFL filed a motion to dismiss the case, but a judge denied the request. That took the case a step closer to going to trial, though it is possible the two sides could reach a settlement.

LaMonte said the email scandal “took a bad toll” on Gruden but that Gruden is in a much better place now. The agent said Gruden’s lawsuit is about getting his life back, not making money.

“I think Jon looks younger, happier and better now. He’s an infinitely wealthy person and the irony of this lawsuit is that everyone says he’ll make a fortune — he doesn’t really need the money,” LaMonte said. “All Jon Gruden wants is his life back — and he’s going to get it back.”

Even if Gruden wins his lawsuit against the NFL, a team would still have to hire him. That would be the biggest challenge for the former Super Bowl winner.