By Ben Klau ’18
The Oakland Raiders wasted no time in hiring a new coach with the signing of Jon Gruden. Gruden has been broadcasting for ESPN since 2009 after retiring as a coach in the NFL. Gruden accepted a contract worth 100 million over 10 years. This is the longest contract in NFL history. Not only is it the longest contract but it is also for the most amount of money. The Raiders plan on introducing Jon Gruden as the next Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
The Raiders fired their former head coach, Jack Del Rio, this past weekend. Del Rio held a 25-23 record through three seasons with the Raiders. Gruden was the head coach of the Raiders from 1988 to 2001, where he held a 38-26 record. Gruden has had his ups and down as a coach but people will always remember him leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl in 2002.
It is going to be interesting to see how ESPN handels Gruden leaving. His personality and knowledge that he brings to a broadcast is hard to replace. He is one of the reasons that many fans enjoy watching Monday Night Football. It has been speculated that ESPN needs to sign a former player or coach to fill his shoes. ESPN has struggled financially over the past few years, so they aren’t in the market to make a big financial splash. ESPN could try to sign within but talent is thin on their roster right now. There are many options: Tony Romo, Tim Tebow or Peyton Manning. ESPN will also try and pursue broadcasters from FOX. All still won’t have the experience that Gruden has. He will broadcast his final game Jan. 6.
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