Jon Gruden Emerges as Surprising LSU Candidate

The LSU Tigers' coaching search has taken an unexpected turn with the emergence of Jon Gruden as a potential candidate for the vacant head coaching position. Despite having no college head coaching experience, the former Super Bowl-winning coach has seen his odds surge in recent betting markets, placing him in the top five candidates for the job.

LSU dismissed head coach Brian Kelly on October 26 following a disappointing 34-14 tenure that failed to deliver an SEC championship. The Tigers' vacancy is one of several high-profile openings this fall, alongside jobs at Florida, Penn State, Arkansas, Auburn, and UCLA.

The Rise of a Dark Horse Candidate

While Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin remains the leading candidate, with former LSU assistant Joe Brady and retired Alabama coach Nick Saban also near the top of the list, Gruden's sudden rise in the odds has surprised many observers. The 62-year-old is currently listed at +900, behind only Kiffin, Brady, Saban, and Tulane's Jon Sumrall.

Gruden's Super Bowl pedigree, name recognition, and expressed desire to return to the coaching ranks have made him a dark-horse candidate for the LSU vacancy. The former NFL coach has publicly stated his intentions, saying in July 2024, "I'm going to coach again," signaling his intent to return to the coaching ranks, either at the NFL or college level.

A Legacy of NFL Success

Gruden is best known for his success in the NFL, where he compiled a 122-116 overall record across 15 seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders (formerly Oakland Raiders) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His career highlight came in 2002 when he led the Buccaneers to a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.

"I'm going to coach again." - Jon Gruden, July 2024

Gruden led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002. - Image from https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.F-vPoU8rAXvteNU75dpgegHaLT?pid=Api

Limited College Experience

Despite his NFL success, Gruden has never been a college head coach. His only collegiate experience came as a graduate assistant at Tennessee (1986-87), passing game coordinator at Southeast Missouri State (1988), and tight ends coach at Pacific (1989). This lack of college head coaching experience raises questions about his suitability for the high-pressure environment of SEC football.

A Controversial Recent Past

Since resigning from the Raiders in 2021 amid an email scandal, Gruden has remained on the periphery of football. He briefly consulted for the New Orleans Saints in 2023 and worked with the Milano Seamen in Europe in 2024. The email scandal, which revealed offensive and racist comments, tarnished his reputation and forced him out of his position with the Raiders.

Why LSU Might Consider Gruden

Despite the concerns, there are reasons why LSU might consider Gruden. His offensive expertise could revitalize a program that struggled offensively under Kelly. His NFL experience could help prepare LSU players for the next level, and his name recognition could boost recruiting in a highly competitive SEC landscape.

Additionally, Gruden's stated desire to return to coaching suggests he would be fully committed to the job. His experience in high-pressure situations, having coached in multiple Super Bowls, could be invaluable in the intense environment of SEC football.

The Competition

Gruden faces stiff competition for the LSU job. Lane Kiffin has established himself as a top offensive mind in college football, having turned Ole Miss into a consistent contender. Joe Brady brings LSU familiarity as a former assistant under Ed Orgeron. And Nick Saban, though retired, could be tempted by the challenge of returning to the SEC and facing his former proteges.

LSU is searching for a new head coach after dismissing Brian Kelly in October 2024. - Image from https://duckduckgo.com/?origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=LSU+Tigers+football+helmet+on+field&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.gettyimages.com%2Fid%2F1179396840%2Fphoto%2Fbaton-rouge-la-an-lsu-helmet-rests-on-the-sideline-before-a-game-between-the-lsu-tigers-and.jpg%3Fs%3D612x612%26w%3Dgi%26k%3D20%26c%3DkboDigXOQ5pcz5DanQ-zdkylS5rIW5e1WmqvLW6f6oU%3D

The Road Ahead

As the LSU coaching search continues, all eyes will be on whether the Tigers administration would seriously consider a candidate with Gruden's baggage and lack of college experience. While his emergence as a candidate is certainly surprising, it underscores the high stakes of this coaching search and the pressure to find a coach who can restore LSU to its former glory in the SEC.

Whatever the outcome, Jon Gruden's sudden rise as a candidate has added an unexpected twist to an already fascinating coaching search, providing college football fans with plenty to discuss as they await the Tigers' next move.