Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden will be reinstated to the Bucs Ring of Honor, reversing a decision made nearly four years ago when controversial private emails were leaked following an NFL investigation.
“Jon Gruden was initially inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor based on his many accomplishments during his seven seasons as our head coach, and he remains a significant figure in the history of our franchise,” the team said in a statement on Thursday about their first Super Bowl-winning coach.
“Upon further reflection, we have decided to reinstate him into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.”
Gruden led the Bucs to their first Super Bowl win in 2002 and was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2017.
He served a seven-year tenure with the club after a successful run with the Oakland Raiders, which included a Super Bowl appearance and a controversial loss to eventual Super Bowl winner, the New England Patriots, in the ‘tuck rule’ game.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 27, 2025
Jon Gruden Reinstated
Jon Gruden’s reinstatement has been long overdue. He resigned in October 2021 – his second stint with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders – after the surfacing of emails from 2010 to 2018 that contained allegedly racist and homophobic remarks.
The emails were initially discovered during an NFL investigation into the Washington Redskins (at the time) workplace culture. It led to widespread controversy when they became public.
Gruden’s resignation came amid mounting pressure, especially after an email describing NFLPA executive DeMaurice Smith using a racially insensitive metaphor was revealed. He also used colorful language to describe NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and insinuated that the NFL should not have female referees.
For my money, it was probably the Goodell remarks that played a more significant role in his demise. His departure followed a significant contract with the Raiders, marking a dramatic fall from grace.
Gruden’s actions were far less egregious than those of some league players who are offered second chances, though. The number of players charged with DUI and domestic assault who receive lesser penalties is sky-high – you know, like DeShaun Watson, for example.
RELATED: Legendary Coach Jon Gruden Eyeing A Return To The Sidelines
Spider Y 2 Banana
Jon Gruden has been keeping busy outside of full-time NFL coaching. He’s running a YouTube channel called “Gruden Loves Football,” where he breaks down games and interviews players.
He also recently joined Barstool Sports in a multi-year media role, announced in November. This role includes game analysis and play breakdowns—think of his classic “Spider Y 2 Banana” style.
Will he return to the NFL? It’s murky but not impossible.
Gruden’s made it clear he wants back in, telling CBS Sports in September he’s “interested in coaching at any level” and has the itch to lead a team again, even considering college football as an option.
“Yeah, I’m interested in coaching,” Gruden said. “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.”
Would the Bucs consider bringing him on in some capacity? The Dallas Cowboys probably should have given him a look, for sure.
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