Jon Gruden is reportedly eyeing a return to coaching, this time at the college level. The former Super Bowl-winning head coach, who has spent nearly three decades coaching in the NFL, is now being linked to several major college football programs, but most notably Arkansas.
Gruden, 61, last coached in the NFL in 2021 before resigning from the Las Vegas Raiders after offensive emails surfaced during an unrelated league investigation. He returned to football briefly in 2023 as a consultant with the New Orleans Saints.
The Razorbacks fired head coach Sam Pittman following a 56-13 loss to Notre Dame on Sept. 27. Since then, Gruden’s name has gained traction as a potential replacement. Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre even endorsed the idea on social media, saying Gruden’s “energy, passion, and love for the game are a perfect fit for the SEC.”
I’ve always said Jon Gruden is one of the sharpest minds in football. His energy, passion, and love for the game are a perfect fit for the SEC...
Wouldn’t be surprised to see him land somewhere like Arkansas. I could see Gruden being a spark for that program.
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) September 29, 2025
But the game has changed since Gruden was on the sidelines. Especially in college football's new era. Gruden hinted at a possible return on Friday's episode of Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take.” He revealed he’s been studying film and staying prepared for an opportunity. “I love it, and it’s pretty much all I have,” Gruden said. “Who knows what will happen, but I’m preparing myself as always to coach.”
In August, Gruden told Georgia players he would “die to coach in the SEC,” expressing admiration for the league’s growing competition with Texas and Oklahoma joining the league two years ago.
Gruden has a 117-112 NFL coaching record, including a Super Bowl XXXVII title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite his absence from the college game for over 30 years, interest in his return remains strong. Whether that comeback takes place with an SEC program remains to be seen.
More college football news: