By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — As the head coach carousel speeds up over the next week, a lot of chatter is going to be had about some of the biggest names in searches. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and former head coach Mike Vrabel are all among the most popular candidates thus far.
But one surprise candidate already has some unique ties to the New Orleans Saints, who will be actively searching for their next team leader.
Per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is a name to watch in this year’s coaching cycle.
From @gmfb: Breaking down some big names in the upcoming coaching carousel with @PSchrags — and one surprise name you may hear. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/t3dfHIiCu2
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 31, 2024
While breaking down some of the early rumors around head coach vacancies, in which the Saints were again tied to Vrabel, Pelissero added that Gruden would be a surprise name to watch this offseason and even added that he “would not be surprised at all” if the Super Bowl XXXVII winner’s name came up as a candidate for open jobs.
Pelissero in particular focused on his existing relationship with the Saints.
After New Orleans courted quarterback Derek Carr to the Big Easy, Gruden became an offseason staple helping in a consultant role. The goal was to help the team acclimate to their new quarterback.
Per Pelissero, Gruden could have also gone on to become the team’s offensive coordinator in 2024. “My understanding,” he said. “Is that if he had wanted the Saints’ offensive coordinator job last year, he could have had it.”
Ultimately, Gruden went a different direction, spending most of his 2024 in the media landscape. However, if he is indeed seeking a return to the sidelines, his relationship with New Orleans checks an important box.
A recent story from Pelissero and fellow NFL Insider Ian Rapoport suggests that general manager Mickey Loomis is expected to hire someone “that he knows” for the role. Gruden certainly qualifies.
Gruden also would be very unlikely to have any qualms with having quarterback Derek Carr lead the way again in 2025. A decision that would draw a lot of ire from the fanbase, but would be the more financially responsible pill to swallow for the team.
Any team that makes the decision to hire Gruden will also have to reconcile with the racist, homophobic and misogynistic language used in emails that led to his resignation in Las Vegas. But Pelissero covertly suggests that process is already under way.
“There are multiple teams that have been doing extensive homework on Jon Gruden,” he said. “The situation, him as a coach, him as a person.”
