Jon Gruden’s coaching career took a significant turn in 2021 when he stepped down as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Since then, Gruden hasn’t graced the sidelines, but the buzz around the league suggests his return to the NFL could be on the horizon. Former NFL scout John Middlekauff recently speculated on his “3 & Out” podcast if Gruden would be in the running for the Miami Dolphins’ head coaching job, should Mike McDaniel find himself out of favor.
Middlekauff shared his insights, mentioning Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross’s penchant for big-name headliners and positing Gruden as a potential candidate. “If this happens and the Dolphins have a rough season,” Middlekauff mused, “Gruden’s name is bound to surface.
With Miami primed for a shakeup, Gruden, along with the likes of Bill Belichick and Kirby Smart, could be on Ross’s shortlist.” It’s that connection with marquee names that often dictates the Dolphins’ moves, and Gruden, with his Super Bowl-winning résumé, certainly fits the bill.
As for Mike McDaniel, the head coach since 2022, his tenure with the Dolphins has been a roller coaster. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but couldn’t find postseason success, posting records of 9-8, 11-6, and 8-9 in consecutive seasons.
One of the pressing challenges McDaniel faces is the persistent uncertainty around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health. McDaniel championed the franchise’s decision to keep faith in Tagovailoa, resulting in a hefty four-year, $212.4 million contract extension.
However, if postseason ambitions remain unfulfilled, McDaniel could be on borrowed time, facing dismissal and leaving the new coach to possibly reevaluate the quarterback position.
Questions also loom over the futures of standout stars like Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill, further complicating McDaniel’s ongoing challenges. Their presence or absence could critically shape the Dolphins’ fortune in the coming season.
When we take a deeper dive into Gruden’s career, his experience is extensive. Across his 15 seasons as an NFL head coach, he spent significant time with the Raiders, compiling a record of 60-57 and clinching a modest 2-3 postseason record.
His stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002 to 2008 remains a highlight, with Gruden spearheading the team to a Super Bowl victory in his first year. Players across the league continue to respect his football acumen.
Currently, Gruden is keeping his passion for the game alive through his work with Barstool Sports, but his eagerness to return to the NFL is palpable. With several head coaches, including McDaniel, potentially on the chopping block, the landscape of the league could offer Gruden a pathway back to the helm. Given his reputation and track record, Gruden might just be the right fit for a team looking to ignite a fresh spark in the upcoming coaching cycle.