Dayton Flyers football advisor Jon Gruden has had a storied career, from winning a Super Bowl to mentoring some of the best quarterbacks in the game. Yet, when it comes to the ultimate college football experience, one memory shines brighter than the rest.
Gruden recently joined former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel on the “It’s All About the Team” podcast, where he was asked about the best game-day atmosphere he had ever encountered. He immediately recalled his first visit to Neyland Stadium for Tennessee’s spring game following their Sugar Bowl victory.
Unforgettable Moments at Neyland Stadium
“I remember my very first experience there,” Gruden shared. “It was the spring game after they won the Sugar Bowl, and they were going to break a world record—the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people to ever attend a spring football game.”
The excitement was palpable, and Gruden was right in the thick of it. “It was the GAs against the full-time coaches. I’m a GA, so we run out there. It’s the Orange and White game. I’m coaching the White team with the GAs. And they introduce your name—‘For the white team, Jon Gruden.’ I’m like, ‘Ah dang, this is unbelievable’. It gives you goosebumps running down your veins, man. It was awesome.”
The energy at Neyland Stadium left a lasting impression on Gruden, who has witnessed football at all levels. “For me, the energy at Neyland Stadium was unmatched,” he said. This sentiment speaks volumes coming from a coach with such extensive experience.
Reflecting on a Legendary Coaching Staff
Gruden didn’t just reminisce about the atmosphere; he also highlighted the legendary coaching staff he was part of during that time. “Johnny Majors. Ron Zook is on the staff… Phil Fulmer was the offensive line coach. David Cutcliffe, who was the man at Duke, was our tight ends coach. We had a hell of a staff, man,” he recalled.
He continued to praise Ken Donahue, who was Bear Bryant’s number one assistant for many years and served as the defensive coordinator during Gruden’s tenure. “So I was in a football factory, and I loved it, man,” Gruden said, emphasizing the wealth of knowledge and experience that surrounded him.
Could Jon Gruden Return to Coaching?
As Gruden reflects on his past, the question arises: could he make a return to coaching? The New Orleans Saints currently find themselves without a head coach this offseason, and all signs point to Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as a prime candidate. However, Moore is expected to wait until after the Super Bowl to make any decisions.
If Moore takes the Saints job, there’s speculation that Jon Gruden could be considered for a role on his staff. This possibility has fans buzzing with excitement.
Why is Jon Gruden in the Conversation?
Gruden’s extensive coaching resume makes him a valuable asset. He boasts 15 years of NFL head coaching experience, including successful stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the then-Oakland Raiders. His most notable achievement came in 2002 when he led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory over his former team, the Raiders.
In 2023, Gruden served as an offensive consultant for the Saints, where he helped quarterback Derek Carr—whom he previously coached in Las Vegas. This connection could make Gruden an appealing option for Moore, should he accept the head coaching position in New Orleans.
A Look Back at Gruden’s Coaching Career
Gruden’s coaching journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He was traded to the Buccaneers from the Raiders in a blockbuster deal that sent first-round picks in 2002 and 2003, second-round picks in 2002 and 2004, and $8 million in cash to Oakland. That season, he transformed the Buccaneers into champions, solidifying his place in NFL history.
His coaching style and ability to connect with players have always set him apart. Gruden’s passion for the game is evident, and his experiences have shaped him into one of the most respected figures in football.
What’s Next for the Saints?
As the Saints navigate their coaching search, Jon Gruden’s potential return to the sidelines hinges on Kellen Moore’s decision. Until then, the team remains in limbo as the final franchise without a head coach for the upcoming season.
With Gruden’s wealth of experience and his deep-rooted connections in the football world, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds. Will he return to the sidelines, or will he continue to share his insights from the sidelines? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Gruden’s passion for football remains as strong as ever.
