In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has claimed that he was “one difficult decision away” from becoming the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers. The statement, made in a recent interview, has left fans and analysts alike speculating about what could have been for both Gruden and the Vols.
Jon Gruden, known for his high-energy coaching style and Super Bowl-winning pedigree with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has long been linked to college football. His name had been mentioned several times in connection with college programs looking to make a splash, and Tennessee Volunteers were no exception. However, Gruden revealed that despite mutual interest between himself and the university, a final decision never materialized.
“I was one difficult decision away from it,” Gruden explained. “There were conversations, negotiations — it was close. But ultimately, the circumstances didn’t align, and it didn’t happen.”
While Gruden didn’t dive into the specifics of the decision, his words have reignited the debate about what could have been if the Volunteers had landed the experienced coach. Tennessee, a program with a storied history and passionate fanbase, has been searching for a long-term solution at head coach, particularly after a rocky few years filled with coaching changes.
Gruden’s potential arrival at Tennessee would have marked a significant turning point for the program. A two-time NFL Coach of the Year and Super Bowl champion, Gruden’s pedigree as a motivator and strategist could have injected new life into a team in search of consistency. His success with the Buccaneers and previous coaching experience with the Oakland Raiders gave him a reputation as someone who could turn around struggling teams and develop talent quickly.
Tennessee, which has had its fair share of ups and downs over the last decade, was in need of a strong, charismatic figure who could bring them back into national prominence. Gruden’s ability to work with quarterbacks and lead a high-powered offense could have played a significant role in revitalizing the Volunteers’ program. His presence could have helped solidify the program’s recruiting efforts, bringing in top talent from across the country.
Moreover, Gruden’s energy and experience in high-pressure environments like the NFL could have translated well to the high expectations of Tennessee’s fanbase, who have long desired a return to the heights of the late 1990s when the Volunteers were consistently competing for national titles.
Despite the apparent interest from both Gruden and Tennessee, the deal never came to fruition. Gruden, in his comments, was careful not to pinpoint the exact reasons, but many speculate that several factors could have influenced the decision.
Tennessee’s turbulent coaching history in the 2010s, which saw the program go through multiple coaching changes, might have made Gruden hesitant to make the leap to college football. The demands of recruiting, NCAA regulations, and the unpredictability of college football could have been significant deterrents for a coach used to the more structured, professional environment of the NFL.
Additionally, Gruden’s previous coaching commitments in the NFL may have played a role in the missed opportunity. After his second stint with the Oakland Raiders, where he served from 2018 to 2021, Gruden faced a lot of scrutiny, which eventually led to his departure. His controversial exit from the NFL may have also led Tennessee’s administration to reconsider whether bringing in a high-profile coach with baggage was the right decision for the program.
As Tennessee continues to look for a permanent head coach, Gruden’s comments add another layer of intrigue to the program’s coaching search. After several years of instability, the Volunteers have placed a significant emphasis on finding someone who can lead the team back to prominence. Whether it’s a proven winner or a rising star from the ranks of college football, Tennessee’s next coach will be expected to restore the program to its championship-contending status.
In the meantime, Gruden’s admission that he was nearly the Vols’ head coach serves as a reminder of how quickly coaching situations can evolve in the world of college football. While it remains unclear what the future holds for both Gruden and the Tennessee Volunteers, his near-deal with the program raises the tantalizing question of what could have been had the stars aligned just a little differently.
Stay tuned for more updates as Tennessee’s search for a head coach continues and Gruden reflects on what might have been one of the most intriguing coaching moves in college football history.
