Report: Jets contact Jon Gruden about role on Aaron Glenn's staff

Field Level Media|published: Wed 28th January, 12:02 2026

Former NFL coach Jon Gruden attends an NFL training camp session on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

The New York Jets reached out to former NFL head coach Jon Gruden about joining Aaron Glenn's coaching staff but were rebuffed, The Athletic reported.

Glenn's original plan was to retain offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand but turn the play-calling duties over to a veteran offensive coach, per the report. Glenn reached out to Gruden and others about the role before ultimately firing Engstrand on Tuesday.

Gruden, 62, was head coach of the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (1998-2001, 2018-21) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-08). He compiled a 117-112 record with five playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl XXXVII victory in his first season with the Bucs.

Gruden has been out of the NFL since serving as a consultant with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. The former ESPN broadcaster joined the Barstool Sports team in 2024.

The leading candidate to replace Engstrand in New York is former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich, according to multiple reports.

--Field Level Media

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