Jon Gruden isn’t being subtle about his coaching comeback plans. The former NFL coach made his intentions crystal clear during a visit with the Georgia Bulldogs, declaring his burning desire to return to football and specifically targeting the SEC for his next opportunity. His blunt comments have college football fans buzzing about which struggling programs might be his landing spot.
Why Is Jon Gruden So Determined to Coach in the SEC?
On3 Sports captured Gruden’s passionate comments from his August 2 visit with the Georgia Bulldogs in a social media post that quickly went viral.
The former Las Vegas Raiders coach didn’t hold back when discussing his coaching goals, telling the players: “I’m being honest with you. I do not bullshit either. I want to coach again. I’d die to coach in the SEC. I would love it. I would f***ing love it.”
NEW: Jon Gruden expresses desire to coach again while talking to Georgia Bulldogs:
“I’m being honest with you. I do not bullshit either. I want to coach again. I’d die to coach in the SEC. I would love it. I would f***ing love it.”
(via @BarstoolGruden)… pic.twitter.com/CbcbgOduI9
— On3 (@On3sports) August 9, 2025
This wasn’t Gruden’s first public statement about returning to coaching. During a July visit to Detroit Lions training camp, he revealed that his comeback plans were real and he would coach at any level. However, his clear SEC statement represents his most specific goal so far, showing exactly where he wants to land.
Which SEC Programs Are Fans Predicting Will Hire Gruden?
The college football community immediately began connecting dots between Gruden’s declaration and struggling SEC programs. Speculation exploded across social media platforms as fans started predicting which coaches might be replaced and which schools could offer him opportunities.
Auburn emerged as the most popular prediction among fans. One user suggested “auburn will have an opening soon.”
auburn will have an opening soon
— Jarod Mitchell (@jarodmitchellx) August 10, 2025
Another user confidently welcomed him, saying, “Welcome to Auburn coach.”
Welcome to Auburn coach
— Slim Pick’em (@Slim_Pickem) August 9, 2025
Arkansas also drew significant attention from fans making predictions. A fan predicted, “Sam Pittman will get fired soon.”
Sam Pittman will get fired soon.
— Horn Takes Podcast (@HornTakes) August 9, 2025
One user expanded the possibilities, stating, “Arkansas and Kentucky are about to open up.”
Arkansas and Kentucky are about to open up
— Hunter Ming (@mingy01) August 9, 2025
Tennessee received a detailed prediction from one fan: “Josh Heupel goes 8-4 this season and then 7-5 next season, Gruden takes over on Rocky Top.”
Josh Heupel goes 8-4 this season and then 7-5 next season
Gruden takes over on Rocky Top
bookmark this
— bobby saxon (@bobbysaxon2) August 9, 2025
Multiple fans joked about Auburn specifically. Someone humorously declared, “Auburns next coach.”
Auburns next coach
— Luck (@thePot_of_Luck) August 10, 2025
Another user sarcastically said, “Welcome to Auburn coach Gruden.”
Welcome to Auburn coach Gruden
— mark sears (@budskins12345) August 9, 2025
Florida also entered the conversation when one fan made it clear, stating, “Billy Napier replacement just became clear.”
Billy Napier replacement just became clear
— Hurricane t2y (@T2yHurricane) August 9, 2025
College football fans immediately began recruiting Gruden to their favorite teams after hearing his SEC declaration, showing how quickly speculation can turn into wishful thinking across social media.
What Obstacles Must Gruden Overcome to Return to Coaching?
Jon Gruden built an impressive coaching resume over decades, starting as a graduate assistant at Tennessee in 1986 before becoming the youngest Super Bowl-winning coach at age 39 with Tampa Bay in 2002.
After successful NFL coaching stints and ESPN broadcasting from 2009-2017, he returned to the Raiders in 2018 before resigning in October 2021. His departure came after racist, homophobic, and misogynistic emails from 2011-2018 were revealed during an NFL investigation.
The emails contained offensive language targeting various groups and NFL officials, effectively ending his coaching career and creating significant obstacles for any potential return.
SEC administrators have described Gruden as “untouchable” due to the email controversy that ended his Raiders career. This presents a major challenge for any program considering him, as universities face scrutiny from administrators, donors, and the public when making coaching decisions.
Whether Gruden will find his way back to an SEC sideline remains uncertain, but his declaration shows he’s serious about coaching again. College football fans will continue watching to see which program takes the chance on the controversial but experienced coach.
