For years former NFL head coach was linked as a candidate to lead the Tennesee Volunteers from the sideline as the program’s head coach. This never came to pass, but Gruden is now partnering with the Vols, where he served as a graduate assistant assistant during the 1985 season.
“Former NFL head coach and Barstool Sports personality Jon Gruden, who started his coaching career at Tennessee, will headline the 2025 Tennessee Football Coaches Clinic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, March 28-29, at the Anderson Training Center,” the University announced.
“The annual Coaches Clinic will include speaking appearances by head coach and the 2025 Volunteer coaching staff, as well as new ‘Voice of the Vols’ Mike Keith.
“The keynote speakers will take the stage on Friday, March 28. The Coaches Clinic is open to high school and middle school coaches, and attendees will have the opportunity to attend Tennessee’s spring practice on Saturday morning, March 29.”
Gruden previously revealed that there was genuine interest in the past to coach at Tennesee, according to Athlon.
“My wife cheered at Tennessee. I love Tennessee. I was a graduate coach there, and I did talk to the Athletic Director,” Gruden said.“And I don’t look up to anybody more than I look up to Peyton Manning and Kenny Chesney. Those are two of my favorite Tennessee guys. And I was very interested in doing it.
“At that time I was having so much fun on Monday Night Football with Mike Tirico I couldn’t take any other job.
“To be in the thought process is always exciting and hell, Tennessee was one that is really close to my heart. I almost did consider pulling the trigger there.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Gruden ever gets the opportunity to be a head coach again.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.