Jon Gruden, the Super Bowl-winning former NFL head coach and renowned football analyst, has often been a name thrown around during high-profile coaching searches. One of the most talked-about possibilities in college football history was the speculation surrounding Gruden and the Tennessee Volunteers. For years, Vols fans speculated that Gruden might be the answer to bringing the program back to prominence. In a recent interview, Gruden revealed the reasons he didn’t take the Tennessee job during previous coaching searches, despite being “very interested.”
Gruden has significant connections to Tennessee, making the rumors of his potential hire all the more tantalizing for fans. His wife, Cindy Gruden, is a University of Tennessee alumna and a former cheerleader for the Volunteers. Gruden himself began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Tennessee in 1986, laying the foundation for a career that would later take him to the heights of the NFL.
Given this deep connection, it’s no surprise that Gruden has always been viewed as an ideal candidate for the Vols. His NFL pedigree, charisma, and offensive mind made him a dream hire for many fans who believed he could restore the program’s national relevance.
Over the years, “Grumors” (Gruden rumors) became a fixture of Tennessee’s coaching searches. After the dismissal of Derek Dooley in 2012 and Butch Jones in 2017, Gruden’s name dominated discussions among fans and media. Social media buzzed with speculative reports, and Gruden’s alleged interest in the job turned into an almost mythical narrative.
In reality, there was genuine interest from Gruden’s side, as he acknowledged in his recent interview. “I’ve always had a soft spot for Tennessee,” he said. “The people, the culture, and my ties to the school all make it a special place for me.”
Despite his interest, Gruden explained that several factors prevented him from taking the Tennessee job. First and foremost, he was entrenched in his role as an NFL analyst for ESPN during key periods when Tennessee reached out. His contract with ESPN was lucrative and allowed him to remain deeply involved in football without the pressures of coaching.
Additionally, Gruden admitted that the college football landscape was a challenge he wasn’t fully prepared to take on. “College coaching is a different animal,” he said. “You’re not just coaching football; you’re recruiting, managing young men, dealing with boosters, and navigating the pressures of running a program. At the time, I wasn’t sure if that was the right fit for me.”
Gruden also pointed out the volatility surrounding Tennessee’s program during those years. Between administrative instability, unrealistic expectations, and a divided fanbase, taking over the Vols presented significant risks for any coach. “There was a lot going on behind the scenes, and it wasn’t the right moment for me to jump in,” Gruden said.
Though Gruden never became Tennessee’s head coach, his interest in the job left fans wondering what might have been. After years of struggles, the Vols have found stability under Josh Heupel, but the allure of what Gruden could have brought to the program lingers.
As for Gruden, his coaching career took a significant turn when he returned to the NFL in 2018 to lead the Las Vegas Raiders. His tenure was cut short in 2021 due to controversy over leaked emails, leaving his coaching future uncertain. Despite this, Gruden remains a respected football mind, and he hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching at some level.
Jon Gruden’s revelation about his interest in the Tennessee job provides clarity on one of college football’s most persistent rumors. While he didn’t take the job, his connection to the Volunteers and his admiration for the program remain strong.
“I’ll always root for Tennessee,” Gruden said. “It’s a special place with great people. It just wasn’t the right time for me.”
For Tennessee fans, the “Grumors” may finally be put to rest, but the fascination with what could have been will likely endure. In the end, Gruden’s legacy remains tied to both the NFL and his brief but impactful connection to Rocky Top.