Unexpected Contenders Emerge as Top Destinations for Jon Gruden’s Next Coaching Move

Jon Gruden is back—well, at least in spirit—and boy, does he want to make a grand return to the coaching world. After a dramatic exit from the NFL in 2021, thanks to that infamous email scandal, you’d think the curtain had closed on the longtime head coach’s sideline saga. But nope. The man’s been stirring the pot in media circles, sure, but his heart? It’s still on the gridiron. His latest confession? A burning desire to dive headfirst into the SEC, the powerhouse of college football. Can you imagine Gruden, the offensive guru, fantasizing about outsmarting Kirby Smart “between the hedges”? It’s more than just a daydream—it’s a declaration. So where might he end up? Arkansas? Kentucky? The drama’s as thick as ever. So while we wonder if Gruden will rewrite his coaching fate or just keep daydreamin’, one question begs to be asked: Are college programs ready to handle the Gruden storm? LEARN MORE.

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Jon Gruden wants to coach again.

The longtime NFL head coach has been out of the game for a while. He last coached in the NFL in 2021, when he was the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Gruden was ousted by the Raiders as part of an email scandal, in which he made derogatory remarks about several notable figures, including Roger Goodell.

Gruden has since gotten into the media space, working with Barstool Sports. But he’s maintained that he is incredibly interested – and committed – to coaching again.

The longtime coach has said that he would love for that to be in the SEC.

Former NFL Coach Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

© Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Gruden told the Georgia Bulldogs that he would love to coach in the SEC if he returned to coaching.

“The only reason I really came here is because I want to coach again,” Gruden told the Georgia Bulldogs on a recent visit to Athens, Georgia. “I’m being honest with you. I do not bulls—t either. I’d die to coach in the SEC. I would love it. I would f—ing love it.”

Gruden admitted that he has “fantasized” about it.

“I sit there and I fantasize — I’m fantasizing on the [practice] field,” he added. “I said, ‘Man, I wish I was coaching against the SEC.’ I want to come to Georgia, between the hedges. I’m fantasizing about going up against Kirby Smart. I’m an offensive coach you see. I’m over there fantasizing about coming down here and beating Georgia in the hedges.”

“That’s what I’m fantasizing about. Because whether you like it or not, you’re the f—ing measuring stick that I base my whole career on as a coach,” the ex-Bucs/Raiders HC concluded.

If Gruden were to return, where would it be? Two schools have been named possible landing spots.

Arkansas

The Razorbacks are currently led by Sam Pittman, but things have been a struggle for the Razorbacks lately. The 63-year-old head coach has gone 30-31 in five seasons. If he doesn’t perform well in 2025, he could be ousted.

Arkansas, which has a lot of Walmart money, could prove to be an ideal landing spot for Gruden in 2025.

Kentucky

The Wildcats are probably committed to Mark Stoops, though he went 4-8 during the 2024 season. It’s possible that Kentucky could decide to make a change. Or, perhaps, Stoops will simply choose to move on.

Stoops has been at Kentucky for 12 years. He knows that it’ll always be a basketball school first. If he gets the opportunity to land somewhere else, perhaps he would take it.