Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden could be on the NFL radar once again, and this time it’s the Miami Dolphins who might have him in their sights as Mike McDaniel’s position looks unsafe.
After stepping away from the league in 2021 amid controversy, Gruden is being floated as a potential candidate should the Dolphins’ front office decide to make a change in the near future .
The Dolphins, led by head Coach McDaniel, have shown promise over the last couple of seasons but haven’t yet reached the postseason success their roster suggests they should.
If the 2025 season falls short of expectations, ownership may look to bring in a more experienced voice to get the most out of a roster that includes quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
That’s where Gruden’s name has entered the conversation, thanks in part to a recent statement by NFL analyst and former scout John Middlekauff.
“I think if and when they fire everybody in Miami, and I think this year has a chance to just be a train wreck, I mean a train wreck that you would have to imagine, he [Gruden] would be an option…”
A possible return to the NFL sidelines?
Gruden, a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hasn’t worked in the NFL since resigning from his Raiders post in 2021.
His departure came after emails surfaced that contained offensive language and disparaging remarks, leading to his abrupt exit. The fallout from those emails remains a cloud over any potential return to a high-profile position.
However, Gruden has not been completely detached from football. He recently joined the ownership group of the Nashville Kats, a team in the newly revived Arena Football League.
While this is not a coaching role, it shows he remains deeply involved in the sport and interested in its future. For some around the league, this move is interpreted as a stepping stone toward rebuilding his public image and paving the way for a comeback.
The Dolphins, should they consider replacing McDaniel, would be weighing more than just football experience. Gruden’s resume is undeniably strong: over 100 career wins, multiple playoff appearances, and a Lombardi Trophy.
But the organization would also have to consider the public relations implications and whether his leadership aligns with the team’s values moving forward.
Historically, Miami has leaned toward giving opportunities to young, innovative coaches rather than bringing in seasoned veterans. That trend could make Gruden a surprising choice. Still, if things unravel for the Dolphins this season, ownership may be tempted to pursue a coach with a proven track record.
Whether the rumors evolve into something more concrete remains to be seen. But as the NFL coaching carousel begins to turn once again, Jon Gruden’s name – controversial or not – is back in the mix.
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