History of Jon Gruden in Timeline
Jon Gruden is a well-known figure in American football, having served both as a coach and analyst. His coaching career saw him win Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the age of 39, making him the youngest head coach to achieve this feat. He also led the Oakland Raiders to two division titles and an AFC Championship appearance. After leaving the Buccaneers in 2008, Gruden transitioned to a successful career as a commentator for ESPN's Monday Night Football. He currently serves as an advisor for the Milano Seamen in the European League of Football.
August 17, 1963: Birth of Jon Gruden
Jon David Gruden was born on August 17, 1963.
1982: Graduation from Clay High School
Jon Gruden graduated from Clay High School in South Bend, Indiana, in 1982.
1985: Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of Tennessee
Jon Gruden's coaching career began as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Tennessee during the 1985–86 season.
1985: Gruden Meets Future Wife
Jon Gruden's path crossed with his future wife in 1985 while he was working as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee, marking the beginning of their relationship.
1986: Graduation from the University of Dayton
Jon Gruden graduated from the University of Dayton in 1986 with a degree in communications.
1988: Origin of "Chucky" Nickname
Gruden earned the nickname "Chucky" during his time with the Raiders. Raiders defensive lineman Grady Jackson thought Gruden resembled the character "Chucky" from the 1988 film "Child's Play."
1989: Offensive Assistant at the University of the Pacific
Gruden joined the University of the Pacific in 1989 as an offensive assistant, specifically the tight ends coach.
1990: Raiders' Last Division Title
Before their success under Gruden, the Raiders' last division title was in 1990.
1990: Special Assistant with the San Francisco 49ers
In 1990, Gruden served as a special assistant with the San Francisco 49ers under quarterbacks coach Mike Holmgren.
March 1991: Wide Receivers Coach at the University of Pittsburgh
Jon Gruden became the wide receivers coach for the University of Pittsburgh under head coach Paul Hackett in March 1991.
1991: Gruden Gets Married
Jon Gruden exchanged vows with his wife in 1991, solidifying their relationship and starting their family life together.
1991: Previous Low Point for Tampa Bay
The 2006 season marked the first time since 1991 that a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team had not secured more than four wins, highlighting the severity of their struggles under Gruden's leadership that year.
January 1992: Special Offensive Assistant with the Green Bay Packers
In January 1992, at 28, Gruden was hired as the special offensive assistant/wide receivers coach for the Green Bay Packers.
1992: Comparison to the 1992 Dallas Cowboys
The Buccaneers, under Gruden in 2002, had a playoff per-game point differential of 23 points, tying them with the 1992 Dallas Cowboys for the highest average playoff margin of victory by a Super Bowl winner in the free agency era.
1998: Gruden's First Head Coaching Position
Jon Gruden began his head coaching career with the Oakland Raiders in 1998.
1998: Gruden's First Two Seasons with the Raiders
The Raiders had consecutive 8-8 seasons under Gruden in 1998 and 1999.
1999: Raiders' Improvement under Gruden
The Raiders, under Gruden's leadership, showed significant improvement, rising from last place in the AFC West in 1998 and 1999.
2000: Raiders' Playoff Run
The Raiders had a successful season in 2000, finishing 12-4 and winning their first division title since 1990. They reached the AFC Championship but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Baltimore Ravens.
2001: Raiders' Playoff Appearance
The Raiders, with a 10-6 record, returned to the postseason in 2001 but lost in the AFC Divisional Round to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots.
2001: Raiders' Playoff Run
The Oakland Raiders, led by Gruden, made it to the playoffs in 2000 and 2001. They reached the AFC Championship in 2000 but lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
2002: Gruden Joins the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jon Gruden was hired as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002 following a trade with the Oakland Raiders. The Buccaneers traded their 2002 and 2003 first-round draft picks, 2002 and 2004 second-round draft picks, and $8 million to acquire him.
2002: Trade to Tampa Bay and Super Bowl Victory
Jon Gruden was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. He led the team to their first Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XXXVII that same year.
2002: "Pound the Rock" Mantra
Jon Gruden's mantra for the 2002 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was "Pound the Rock," emphasizing a commitment to the running game. After winning Super Bowl XXXVII, he led a chant of the phrase with fans at Raymond James Stadium.
2003: Buccaneers Trade Draft Picks
As part of the trade for Gruden, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers included their 2003 first-round draft pick.
2003: Buccaneers' Losing Season
The Buccaneers finished the 2003 season with a 7-9 record, marking their first losing season after winning the Super Bowl.
2004: Gruden Gets His Desired Partnership
In 2004, Jon Gruden finally got the general manager-head coach partnership he wanted when Bruce Allen joined the Buccaneers. Despite salary cap issues, the team showed promise with some impactful players drafted in 2004 and 2005.
2004: Buccaneers' Second Consecutive Losing Season
The Buccaneers had a 5-11 record in 2004, making it their second consecutive losing season after winning the Super Bowl.
2004: Buccaneers Trade Draft Picks
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded their 2004 first and second-round draft picks to the Oakland Raiders as part of the deal to acquire Gruden as their head coach.
2005: Buccaneers Return to Playoffs
The Buccaneers, led by Gruden, made a comeback in 2005, achieving an 11-5 record and securing a playoff spot. The season was marked by both successes, including drafting rookie of the year Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, and controversies, such as a controversial two-point conversion decision.
2005: Buccaneers Return to Playoffs
The Buccaneers, led by Gruden, made a comeback in 2005, achieving an 11-5 record and securing a playoff spot. The season was marked by both successes, including drafting rookie of the year Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, and controversies, such as a controversial two-point conversion decision.
2006: Gruden's Worst Season as Coach
Jon Gruden experienced his worst season as a head coach in 2006 when the Buccaneers finished with a disappointing 4-12 record, marking their worst performance since 1991.
March 28, 2007: Glazer Discusses Buccaneers' Future
On March 28, 2007, Joel Glazer, executive vice president of the Buccaneers, addressed the team's performance, defending Gruden's coaching while acknowledging the need for improvement and a departure from mediocrity.
2007: Buccaneers Overcome Adversity to Make Playoffs
In 2007, the Buccaneers, now free from salary cap restrictions and led by Gruden and quarterback Jeff Garcia, overcame numerous injuries to key players and secured a playoff berth with a 9-7 record. Gruden's optimism about the team's future was evident in his statement "The future is so bright around here I have to wear shades", despite their Wild Card Round loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions.
2008: Gruden Receives Contract Extension, Buccaneers Suffer Late-Season Collapse
Despite a promising start and being on track for a playoff run, the Buccaneers under Jon Gruden, who had signed a contract extension through 2011, faltered in December 2008. A defensive slump led to a four-game losing streak, culminating in their elimination from playoff contention and ultimately contributing to Gruden's dismissal.
2008: End of Tampa Bay Tenure
Jon Gruden's time as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended in 2008.
January 16, 2009: Gruden Fired by Buccaneers
After seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jon Gruden was fired on January 16, 2009. This decision followed a disappointing end to the 2008 season, where the team went winless in December and missed the playoffs.
May 2009: Gruden Joins ESPN as Analyst
Jon Gruden embarked on a broadcasting career in May 2009, joining ESPN as a color commentator for Monday Night Football.
2009: End of Gruden's Tenure with the Buccaneers
Jon Gruden's time with the Buccaneers ended in 2009 after seven seasons. The team had struggled with salary cap constraints and despite a brief return to the playoffs in 2007, Gruden was fired following the 2008 season.
2009: ESPN Analyst
Gruden joined ESPN as an analyst for Monday Night Football in 2009.
May 2010: Gruden Embraces New Roles After Buccaneers Exit
After his departure from the Buccaneers, Jon Gruden took on diverse roles in May 2010. He began volunteering as an assistant offensive line coach at Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, demonstrating his continued passion for football. Simultaneously, he founded the Fired Football Coaches Association (FFCA), a platform for coaches to analyze the game and strategize.
2010: Gruden Calls Rose Bowl and BCS National Championship
Jon Gruden showcased his broadcasting skills in 2010, providing commentary for the Rose Bowl and BCS National Championship Game on ESPN Radio.
2011: Gruden Covers Outback Bowl and Orange Bowl
In 2011, Jon Gruden continued his broadcasting duties, serving as an analyst for ESPN's coverage of the Outback Bowl and Orange Bowl.
2011: Offensive Emails Surface
It was revealed in 2021 that Jon Gruden had sent numerous offensive emails between 2011 and 2018.
2011: Gruden's Contract Extension Year
Jon Gruden had signed a contract extension with the Buccaneers in 2008, securing his position through the 2011 season. However, his tenure was cut short when he was fired in January 2009 following a series of losses that dashed their playoff hopes.
2011: Gruden's Emails Surface
Jon Gruden's controversial emails, containing offensive language and remarks, began surfacing in 2011, ultimately leading to significant repercussions years later.
September 2012: Gruden Extends ESPN Contract
Jon Gruden solidified his commitment to broadcasting in September 2012 by signing a contract extension with ESPN for an additional five years.
2012: Gruden's QB Camp Premieres
Jon Gruden's insights into quarterback development were featured in the 2012 ESPN series "Jon Gruden's QB Camp," where he mentored prospective NFL draftees.
2012: Gruden Criticizes Obama and Biden in Emails
During the 2012 presidential election, Jon Gruden's emails revealed his criticisms of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, adding to the controversy surrounding his off-field conduct.
December 15, 2014: Gruden Signs Contract Extension with ESPN
On December 15, 2014, Jon Gruden secured a contract extension with ESPN, extending his tenure as a broadcaster but including an option to return to coaching.
2017: Gruden Inducted into Buccaneers Ring of Honor
Jon Gruden was inducted into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor in 2017, recognizing his contributions as the head coach of the franchise's first Super Bowl victory.
2017: Gruden's Final ESPN Broadcast
Jon Gruden's final game as an ESPN analyst took place in 2017, covering the AFC Wild Card Round matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs.
2017: Gruden's Son Wins Powerlifting Championship
Jon Gruden's son, Jon II (Deuce), achieved a remarkable feat in 2017 by winning a gold medal at the IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
2017: End of ESPN Analyst Role
Jon Gruden's time as an ESPN analyst concluded in 2017.
January 6, 2018: Gruden Returns to Raiders with Historic Contract
After a nine-year hiatus from the NFL, Jon Gruden returned to coaching on January 6, 2018, rejoining the Oakland Raiders. He secured a landmark 10-year, $100 million contract, a testament to the Raiders' commitment to his leadership and Gruden's own desire to compete again.
2018: Gruden's Email Controversy Continues
Jon Gruden's pattern of sending controversial emails, which began in 2011, persisted until 2018, ultimately culminating in his resignation from the Raiders.
2018: Return to the Raiders
Jon Gruden returned to the Raiders as head coach in 2018.
2018: Gruden Returns to Coaching with Raiders
In 2018, Jon Gruden made a highly anticipated return to coaching, taking the helm of the Oakland Raiders.
2018: Gruden Returns to Coaching, Closes FFCA
In 2018, marking his return to NFL coaching after nine years, Jon Gruden closed his Fired Football Coaches Association (FFCA). The vast collection of game film and playbooks he had accumulated at the FFCA was relocated to Oakland as he embarked on his new role as the Raiders' head coach.
2019: Gruden's Raiders Trade Key Players, Acquire Draft Picks
In 2019, under Jon Gruden's leadership, the Raiders made significant roster moves. They executed trades involving star players Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, acquiring valuable first-round draft picks in return. These strategic decisions reflected Gruden's long-term vision for rebuilding the team.
2019: Raiders' Season Marred by Injuries After Promising Start
The Raiders, under Jon Gruden, had a promising start to the 2019 season, achieving a 6-4 record. However, their momentum was hampered by injuries to key players, ultimately leading to a disappointing 1-5 finish in their final season in Oakland and a 7-9 overall record.
September 22, 2020: Gruden Fined for COVID-19 Protocol Violations
Jon Gruden received a $100,000 fine from the NFL on September 22, 2020, for not adhering to the league's COVID-19 protocols, specifically for improper mask-wearing during a Week 2 game. This incident highlighted the challenges and scrutiny faced by teams and coaches in navigating the pandemic.
November 5, 2020: Gruden Receives Additional Fine for COVID-19 Violations
Jon Gruden's disregard for COVID-19 protocols resulted in an additional fine of $150,000 on November 5, 2020. This second instance of non-compliance with the NFL's safety measures underscored the league's serious stance on enforcing these rules.
2020: Gruden's Raiders Trade Key Players, Acquire Draft Picks
In 2019 and 2020, under Jon Gruden's leadership, the Raiders made significant roster moves. They executed trades involving star players Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, acquiring valuable first-round draft picks in return. These strategic decisions reflected Gruden's long-term vision for rebuilding the team.
October 11, 2021: Gruden Resigns Amid Email Scandal
On October 11, 2021, Jon Gruden resigned from his position as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders following the release of emails containing racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language.
October 2021: Gruden's Emails Spark Controversy
In October 2021, a league investigation revealed emails sent by Jon Gruden containing offensive and discriminatory language, leading to public outcry and ultimately his resignation from the Raiders.
2021: Raiders Achieve Playoff Berth After Gruden's Departure
In a significant turn of events, the Raiders achieved a playoff berth in 2021 under interim coach Rich Bisaccia, a feat they had not accomplished during Jon Gruden's second stint with the team. This achievement followed a 3-0 start to the season, which included two overtime victories.
2021: Gruden's ESPN Contract Expires
Jon Gruden's contract with ESPN, which allowed for a return to coaching, expired in 2021.
2021: Resignation from the Raiders
Gruden resigned from his position as head coach of the Raiders in 2021 following the public revelation of offensive emails he had sent.
May 25, 2022: Judge Allows Gruden's Lawsuit Against NFL to Proceed
On May 25, 2022, a Nevada judge ruled against the NFL's motion to dismiss Jon Gruden's lawsuit, allowing the case regarding the exposure of his controversial emails to move forward.
May 2023: Gruden Assists Saints Offseason Meetings
In May 2023, Jon Gruden participated in the New Orleans Saints' offseason meetings as an advisor, providing his offensive expertise to the coaching staff.
August 2023: Gruden Attends Saints Training Camp
Jon Gruden was present at the New Orleans Saints' training camp in August 2023, continuing his advisory role with the team.
2023: Work-Out with the Saints
The New Orleans Saints brought in Jon Gruden for a work-out for their offensive coaching in 2023.
March 2024: Gruden Joins Milano Seamen as Advisor
In March 2024, Jon Gruden took on a new role as an advisor for the Milano Seamen of the European League of Football.