TAMPA — In a surprising turn of events, Jon Gruden, the former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains when he received the news that his name would be reinstated to the esteemed Buccaneers Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. This announcement comes four years after his name was removed following a controversy surrounding his past emails.
In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Gruden expressed his joy about being honored once again. “I got a chance to get reconnected this (past) season at a game with the Buccaneers,” he stated. “Some of my best memories in life were at Raymond James Stadium with the Bucs, and it’s a great feeling and a great honor.” His reinstatement acknowledges his significant contributions to the franchise during his tenure as head coach, which included winning Super Bowl 37.
The Buccaneers released a formal statement announcing their decision to reinstate Gruden into the Ring of Honor. The statement read, “Jon Gruden was initially inducted into the Bucs Ring of Honor based on his many accomplishments during his seven seasons as our head coach, and he remains a significant figure in the history of our franchise.” This decision marks a notable shift in the team’s stance, especially after Gruden was removed in 2021 following the release of damaging emails that contained racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language.
Gruden's path back to the Ring of Honor began with a heartfelt reunion at a celebration of life for former Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who passed away at the age of 84. During the memorial, Kiffin’s son, Lane Kiffin, emphasized the importance of forgiveness and second chances. This resonated with the Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers, who later invited Gruden and his wife, Cindy, to a game against San Francisco on November 10. Although the Bucs lost that matchup, Gruden enjoyed a memorable experience watching from the Glazer suite.
Since his departure from the Raiders, Gruden has remained deeply involved in football. He has continued to analyze the game from his office with the Fired Football Coaches Association and launched the Gruden Loves Football podcast. Additionally, he has signed a multi-year deal with Barstool Sports, where he shares his insights and strategies on the sport. His enthusiasm for the game remains evident, as he has expressed admiration for the Buccaneers' offensive strategies and players, particularly running back Bucky Irving.
Former players and coaches, including Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, have voiced their support for Gruden’s reinstatement. Barber stated, “I’ve been around a lot of great coaches, and Jon’s accomplishments speak for themselves on the football field and more importantly in the locker room.” He added that Gruden is a “true Tampa champion” and that the decision to welcome him back is a positive one for the team and its fans.
Now at 61 years old, Gruden has expressed a desire to coach again, having served as a consultant with the Saints in 2023. His love for the game and the Buccaneers is clear, as he admires the talent and execution of the current Bucs offense, which averaged an impressive 29.5 points per game last season under offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Gruden’s return to the Ring of Honor seems like a natural progression, especially after his recent reconnections with the team. While there will be no formal ceremony for the reinstatement, Gruden remains humbled by the honor and expressed his gratitude: “All I can say is that it’s a great honor, and I’m very appreciative.”
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