With the coaching carousel heating up, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden appears to be considering a possible return to the collegiate ranks.
The coach last worked at the collegiate level in 1991 as the Pittsburgh Panthers’ wide receivers coach for a single season. Gruden was hired by the Green Bay Packers in 1992 as an offensive analyst, and the rest is history. A Super Bowl win and career 51.3% win rate, Gruden solidified himself early as one of the brightest offensive minds in football.
New and historic openings have hit the market with programs like Penn State and Oklahoma State looking for a coach. The notable openings have drawn numerous coaches out of the woodwork, including Gruden who stated, “I absolutely love football…I’m preparing myself as always to coach.”
Jan 23, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; ESPN broadcaster and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders former coach Jon Gruden at Team Irvin practice at Scottsdale Community College in advance of the 2015 Pro Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Gruden is a very notable name in the college coaching world as the former Super Bowl winner has essentially run his course in the NFL. Gruden spent over a decade as a head coach in the NFL but left in the midst of controversy and a lack of on-field results. Following his final stint in the NFL, the coach fell out of favor and has not been considered a candidate for any recent openings.
Gruden never advanced past that level in college football, however, and has no head coaching or coordinator experience. The coach notably spent two seasons with Southeast Missouri State at the start of his career as the passing game coordinator, but had no influence over play calls.
Since his last head coaching role with the Las Vegas Raiders, who made the move from Oakland during his tenure, Gruden has mainly served as an analyst and consultant. Gruden signed official advisory roles with the New Orleans Saints and Milano Seamen (European Football League) since his departure from Las Vegas. Gruden has briefly spent time on campus in Madison as the coach is friends with Wisconsin Badgers coach Luke Fickell.
Gruden most recently signed with Barstool Sports as a content creator and media personality, delivering insight and coaching stories.
Would the Wisconsin Badgers Offer a Contract to Jon Gruden If Luke Fickell is Fired?
Spectators chant for the firing of Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Maryland beat Wisconsin 27-10.
Without an actual opening, understanding whether or not Jon Gruden would be a realistic option is difficult. However, given where the program is currently at and the other available job options, a return to coaching to save the Badgers’ hopes seems very unlikely.
Signing Gruden following a potential buyout of Fickell is possible, but likely just a dream for many Wisconsin fans. Openings such as Penn State and Oklahoma State arguably have more to offer than Wisconsin and should be able to provide more lucrative contracts. Even with expensive buyouts set to be finalized, the Nittany Lions and the Cowboys are not expected to be frugal during future negotiations.
Additionally, other potential openings may reveal themselves before Wisconsin makes a decision regarding Fickell with Florida being a potential future option. Gruden is already starting to gear himself up and many programs will potentially have a chance to talk specifics before Wisconsin does.
Another issue potentially surrounding the possible hiring is the obvious rust Gruden will have to shake off. The coach has been on the sidelines for years now and Wisconsin has far too much pressure on themselves to make the right decision with the next hire. Hiring a coach who has both taken time off and will enter a brand-new college football landscape does not seem like a responsible move.
While firing Fickell during the season still seems unlikely, there has certainly been a shift in Madison and around the coach especially. Fickell spoke with the media after the loss to the Hawkeyes full of emotion and wanted the blame to be placed on himself rather than the players.
During the weekly media availability ahead of the Ohio State Buckeyes clash, Fickell notably had a different demeanor on the podium. The coach seemed calm and content with the preparation of the team despite the fires surrounding him growing stronger. Fickell might survive the entire season as the Badgers’ coach but that does not eliminate changes from occurring internally before the transfer portal officially opens at the end of the season.
Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell and Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz meet at mid field before the game at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
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