Jon Gruden signs stunning new media deal
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 has largely remained out of the public spotlight since he was forced out as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders three years ago, but it appears that is about to change.
Gruden has signed a multi-year deal with Barstool Sports. The media company confirmed the big news with a skit that features Gruden breaking down a play to a classroom full of Barstool’s top personalities, including founder Dave Portnoy.
Let's go! @barstool_gruden https://t.co/psaRpt6opo pic.twitter.com/t0v6KLMFhN
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) November 14, 2024
Gruden stepped down as head coach of the Raiders in 2021 after some offensive emails that he sent between 2011 and 2018 were leaked. He has since sued the NFL, claiming people within the league intentionally leaked the emails to force him out of a job. That litigation is still ongoing.
The 61-year-old Gruden attended the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ game on Sunday as a guest and might be welcomed back into the team’s Ring of Honor after he was removed because of the email scandal. Gruden was also spotted at an NFL team’s training camp over the summer.
Barstool is known for giving its employees more editorial freedom than most media outlets, which likely appealed to Gruden. They also have a massive loyal following, so Gruden will have an opportunity to rebuild his brand. That could help pave the way for him to return to coaching, if that is what he wants.
Gruden coached the Raiders from 2018-2021, which was his second stint with the team. He was also the head coach of the Buccaneers from 2002-2008 and won a Super Bowl in Tampa.
