Jon Gruden Returns to Football as Part-Owner of Nashville Kats
Jon Gruden, the former NFL head coach whose career was derailed by leaked emails containing offensive language, is making a return to professional football. However, his comeback isn’t on the sidelines of an NFL stadium. Instead, Gruden is joining the Arena Football One League (AF1) as a part-owner of the Nashville Kats.
This marks Gruden’s first official involvement with a professional football team since his resignation from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. While he briefly held an advisory role with the New Orleans Saints in 2023, his position with the Kats represents a significant step back into the world of organized football.
Gruden’s role with the Kats will be focused on consulting and advising across all aspects of the team’s operations, both on the football side and within the business realm. He won’t be assuming the role of head coach, leaving the on-field leadership to others.
The ownership group of the Nashville Kats includes another familiar face in the football world: Jeff Fisher, the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Rams. Fisher also serves as the commissioner of the AF1 league and the president of the Kats, further solidifying the team’s leadership with experienced figures.
In a statement released by the team, Gruden expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Kats and working alongside Fisher. "I have been a fan of indoor football for a long time and jumped at the opportunity to be involved with Jeff and the Nashville Kats as part of the ownership group," Gruden stated. "I have so much respect for what Jeff has done over his career and continues to do with the Nashville Kats and as commissioner of AF1. I’m excited to be part of the team."
Gruden’s journey back to professional football has been a long and winding one. His abrupt departure from the Raiders in 2021 sent shockwaves through the NFL. The leaked emails, which contained anti-gay, racist, and misogynistic comments, led to widespread condemnation and ultimately forced his resignation.
Since then, Gruden has largely remained out of the public eye, focusing on legal battles and rebuilding his image. He filed a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging contract interference and conspiracy, but a three-justice panel in the Nevada Supreme Court sided with the NFL in a 2-1 decision. Gruden has appealed the decision, and the case will be reviewed by a seven-person court at a later date.
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from the NFL, Gruden has maintained a connection to the game. He briefly served as an advisor to the New Orleans Saints in 2023, offering his insights and expertise to the coaching staff. He also joined Barstool Sports, a sports media company, to provide his analysis and commentary on football.
While Jon Gruden is best known for his career in the NFL, his family has deep roots in arena football. His younger brother, Jay Gruden, enjoyed a successful career in the Arena Football League as both a player and a coach. Jay won four Arena Football League titles as a player and two as a coach before making the jump to the NFL, where he eventually served as the head coach of the Washington Redskins.
The AF1 league and the Nashville Kats provide Jon Gruden with a platform to return to professional football in a different capacity. He can leverage his extensive knowledge and experience to contribute to the team’s success without the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with being an NFL head coach. His role as a part-owner allows him to have a significant influence on the team’s direction while also providing him with an opportunity to rehabilitate his image and reconnect with the sport he loves.
The move to join the Nashville Kats is seen by some as a calculated step for Gruden. The Arena Football League is generally considered a less visible and less scrutinized arena than the NFL. It allows him to gradually reintegrate into the sport without the immediate pressure of a head coaching position in the NFL. He can prove himself as a valuable asset in a different league, potentially paving the way for a future return to the NFL in some capacity.
The partnership with Jeff Fisher further reinforces the sense of stability and experience within the Nashville Kats organization. Fisher’s long and successful career in the NFL, combined with his leadership role in the AF1 league, brings credibility and expertise to the team. The presence of both Gruden and Fisher suggests a commitment to building a competitive and sustainable franchise in Nashville.
The AF1 league itself is a developing entity, seeking to revive the excitement and popularity of arena football. The involvement of figures like Gruden and Fisher can bring increased attention and investment to the league, helping it grow and attract more fans.
The Nashville Kats, in particular, are positioned to benefit from the expertise and influence of Gruden and Fisher. The team’s ownership group aims to create a winning culture both on and off the field, providing a positive and entertaining experience for fans in Nashville. Gruden’s knowledge of the game, combined with his experience in marketing and branding, can help the Kats attract new fans and sponsors.
Ultimately, Jon Gruden’s return to professional football as a part-owner of the Nashville Kats represents a new chapter in his career. He has the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Arena Football One League, rebuild his reputation, and rediscover his passion for the game. While his past controversies may continue to linger, his involvement with the Kats offers him a chance to prove that he can still be a valuable asset to the world of football.
