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Maybe Jon Gruden wasn’t on the New York Jets’ roster after all.
A report circulated earlier this week that Gruden was reportedly approached by the Jets about the idea of joining their staff, but he was not interested.
But in an appearance on WDAE radio, Gruden insinuated the report was false.
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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden watches from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter at Heinz Field. (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)
“There are a lot of stupid rumors out there. Some of these reports are ridiculous. Let’s just say there was never anything from the Jets and I wish them the best of luck in their search for a new offensive coordinator,” Gruden said.
The Jets have turned over almost their entire coaching staff, except for the head coach. Aaron Glenn has parted ways with several assistants after just one year, including both his offensive and defensive coordinators.
Last season, in the midst of their 3-14 record, they stayed first team in NFL history not to record an interception all season. They also lost each of their last five games by at least 23 points, another NFL first. It was the third time the Jets had ever lost at least 14 games, also under Rich Kotite and Adam Gase.
Gruden’s coaching days have been in limbo since parting ways with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 during his third year of a 10-year contract. He left after he was found to have used racist, sexist and homophobic language in emails.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden speaks to the media after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sept. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Don Wright, File)
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Gruden sued the NFL after he left the Raiders, alleging a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” was used to destroy his career by leaking the emails. The leaked messages were from when he was an ESPN analyst and a “Monday Night Football” broadcaster.
Gruden was the recipient of a key ruling in his case against the league in August, when the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that his case could proceed in court instead of arbitration. In October, the Nevada Supreme Court unanimously rejected the NFL’s petition to reconsider that decision.
“Hopefully I’m not done. I’m making a comeback,” Gruden said of coaching in July. “Hopefully some of these guys who fell off my branch, if you put it that way, might hire me because I’m looking for a job.
“I don’t care if I’m coaching at Jones Junior High. I’m going to coach again. I’m still coaching. I’m just not on a team officially, but I’ve got some private jobs I’m working on and I’m wearing some gear when I’m watching the games that nobody knows who I’m rooting for.”
Tanner Engstrand and the Jets reportedly parted ways Tuesday after much talk about a change in his role. They were unable to agree on what his role should be, resulting in the split.
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn instructs the staff while watching the play against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game. The game took place in Miami Gardens, Florida on September 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Three different quarterbacks started for the Jets, who Justin Fields was benched and Tyrod Taylor was injured in his absence, prompting Brady Cook to start at the end of the season.
At the trade deadline, the Jets traded Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for draft capital. Those trades were with the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboysboth of which missed the playoffs. The picks they got from them (Colts’ 2026 first and Dallas’ 2026 second) aren’t half bad. Plus, the Jets now own the second pick in the draft.
