Former NFL coach Jon Gruden has joined Barstool Sports. The company welcomed Gruden — who previously served as head coach of the Raiders and Buccaneers — in a video posted Thursday on its X account. He’s joined on a multi-year deal, according to ESPN.
This move comes three years after Gruden resigned from his role with the Raiders in 2021 following a report by The New York Times that revealed he used racist, homophobic, and sexist language in emails.
Gruden, 61, previously expressed his desire to return to coaching, telling CBS Sports in September that he wanted an opportunity to coach a college football team.
”Yeah, I’m interested in coaching,” Gruden told CBS. “My dad was a college coach, I was a college coach at Pitt, my wife was a cheerleader at Tennessee when I met her. Hell yeah, I’m interested in coaching. I know I can help a team, I know I can help young players get better, and I know I can hire a good staff, and that’s the only thing I can guarantee. But yeah, I’m very interested in coaching at any level, period.”
In November 2021, Gruden sued the NFL, accusing commissioner Roger Goodell and others on his behalf of leaking his emails to the media to get him fired. (The NFL denied leaking the emails.) A Nevada Supreme Court panel sided with the NFL in May, sending the case to arbitration after a district court order denied the league’s motion to send the complaint into its arbitration process.
When asked by CBS in September if he regretted what he wrote, Gruden said, “The due process will take care of itself.”
“I haven’t even had my due process yet, so for me to sit here and say, ‘Who said what?’ You know, we’ll just go through the process and leave it at that,” he said.
Gruden worked as an ESPN analyst on “Monday Night Football” from 2009 to 2017.
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# Jon Gruden Joins Barstool Sports: A New Chapter for “The Chucky”
Three years after his abrupt departure from the NFL amidst a controversial email scandal, former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden has made a surprising return to the sports world. Gruden is joining forces with Barstool Sports, the popular online media platform known for its irreverent humor and coverage of sports, pop culture, and more. This move has sent shockwaves through the industry, raising questions about Gruden’s future role, his relationship with Barstool, and the implications for both parties.
## A Unique Partnership: What Does It Mean?
This partnership represents a unique opportunity for both Gruden and Barstool Sports. For Gruden, it offers a platform to re-enter the sports conversation on his own terms, away from the scrutiny of the NFL. He can leverage his legendary coaching experience and insights to connect with a new audience who might not have followed him during his tenure in the league.
For Barstool, Gruden’s arrival brings instant credibility and name recognition. His status as a former Super Bowl champion coach adds a layer of legitimacy to their already popular platform, potentially attracting a broader demographic and boosting viewership.
## The Potential for Success: A Look at the Possibilities
Gruden’s role with Barstool is still being finalized, but several possibilities exist:
* **Content Creator:** Gruden could create original content like video podcasts, analysis pieces, or even humorous skits in line with Barstool’s style. His unique personality and coaching perspective could provide fresh and engaging material for the platform’s vast audience.
* **Analyst/Commentator:** He could contribute to Barstool’s sports coverage by offering expert commentary on NFL games and trends. His insights, drawing from years of experience in the league, could provide valuable analysis and attract a dedicated following.
| Potential Content Formats | Gruden’s Expertise | Audience Appeal |
|—|—|—|
| Podcasts | Coaching Strategies, Game Analysis | Football Fans, General Sports Enthusiasts |
| Video Commentary | Trends & Predictions, Player Insights | Fantasy Football Players, NFL Viewers |
| Behind-the-Scenes Features | Coaching Life, Team Dynamics | Sports Documentaries Lovers, Insider Coverage Seekers |
* **Guest Appearances:** Gruden could appear on existing Barstool shows like “Pardon My Take” or “The Rundown,” interacting with hosts and engaging in lively discussions about sports and pop culture. His presence could draw a larger audience to these popular programs.
## Navigating the Controversy: A Road Ahead
Despite this exciting new chapter, Gruden will inevitably face scrutiny due to his past controversies surrounding emails containing offensive language. Barstool’s commitment to free speech and its existing audience may offer him some leeway. However, it remains to be seen how fans and advertisers will react to his involvement with the platform.
Gruden’s success will hinge on his ability to connect with a new audience, deliver compelling content, and navigate the challenges of public perception. Only time will tell if this bold move will ultimately prove beneficial for both Gruden and Barstool Sports.
