My Wife Cheered for Tennessee”: College Football Fans React Strongly to Jon Gruden Almost Taking the Tennessee Volunteers Head Coaching Job**
Imagine a world where Jon Gruden, the intense, Super Bowl-winning coach, was at the helm of Tennessee Volunteers football. For a moment, it almost became a reality. In a shocking revelation that’s sending ripples through the college football world, Jon Gruden admitted that he nearly accepted the Tennessee Volunteers head coaching job in the past—and fans are still buzzing about it.
A Deep Connection to Tennessee
For those who don’t know, Jon Gruden’s roots in football run deep with Tennessee. He started his coaching career there in 1986 as a graduate assistant. But his relationship with the Volunteers goes beyond his early days in the coaching ranks. Gruden’s wife cheered for Tennessee, and the program holds a special place in his heart.
“My wife cheered at Tennessee. I love Tennessee,” Gruden confessed on a recent *Pardon My Take* podcast. “I was a graduate coach there, 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.”
It’s clear that Gruden has a deep affinity for the Volunteer program, making the idea of him returning to Knoxville as head coach all the more intriguing. In fact, he was in discussions with Tennessee’s athletic director about taking on the role—but something stopped him from pulling the trigger.
*Why Gruden Didn’t Take the Job
So why didn’t Jon Gruden step in to lead the Volunteers? Was it his commitment to the NFL? A fear of the SEC grind? Gruden admitted that while he was tempted, the timing just wasn’t right. At the time, he was having “so much fun” as a broadcaster on *Monday Night Football* with Mike Tirico that he couldn’t bring himself to leave that role.
“I couldn’t take any other job,” Gruden explained. “I was having so much fun on Monday Night Football. It was just too good to leave.”
In a way, it’s almost hard to imagine a world where Gruden stepped away from his high-profile broadcasting career to jump into the chaos of SEC football. But the thought that he almost became Tennessee’s head coach raises a fascinating “what if” question: What would Tennessee football look like today if Gruden had taken the job?
Gruden’s Potential Impact on Tennessee Football
Jon Gruden’s track record in the NFL is undeniable. A Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a former head coach of the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, Gruden is known for his fiery passion, motivational leadership, and ability to turn struggling teams around. But could his style have meshed with the demands of college football, particularly in the SEC?
Tennessee has been in search of a return to national prominence for years, and Gruden—known for his ability to fire up players—could have been just the spark the program needed. His aggressive coaching style and no-nonsense attitude might have been the perfect fit to re-establish Tennessee’s dominance in the SEC, where rivalries are fierce, and the pressure is constant.
But what if it didn’t work? What if Gruden’s high-energy, sometimes controversial style clashed with the younger, more diverse players of college football? It’s a question that Tennessee fans can only speculate on, but it certainly adds intrigue to the coaching history of the Volunteers.
Enter Josh Heupel: The Current Success of Tennessee
Now, in 2024, Tennessee is enjoying success under current head coach Josh Heupel, who took over the program in 2021. Heupel’s up-tempo, high-scoring offense has revitalized the Vols, pushing them to the verge of a College Football Playoff berth. With a crucial game against the Georgia Bulldogs ahead, Heupel has Tennessee in the national conversation for the first time in years.
The Volunteers’ rise under Heupel has been impressive, especially considering the program’s struggles in recent years. While Gruden’s name may have been floated as a potential hire, it’s hard to deny that Heupel’s vision and leadership have the Vols on the right path.
So while Gruden’s almost-decision to take over the Volunteers may have been a missed opportunity, Tennessee fans can’t help but feel optimistic about the future under Heupel. Gruden may have been the right coach at the right time—or maybe Heupel’s modern approach is exactly what Tennessee needed all along.
The Fan Reaction: A What-If That Will Never Go Away
The reaction from college football fans has been nothing short of explosive. Social media platforms have been flooded with discussions about what Gruden’s arrival in Knoxville could have meant for Tennessee’s future. Could he have brought the Volunteers back to national relevance? Would his intense coaching style have sparked a new era of dominance?
Tennessee fans are divided on the issue. Some believe that Gruden’s experience and ability to lead would have turned the program around quickly. Others argue that Heupel’s fresh approach and offensive-minded strategies are exactly what the Vols needed to break free from years of mediocrity.
Either way, the conversation isn’t going anywhere. Gruden’s near-move to Tennessee is the kind of “what-if” scenario that will be discussed for years to come, and it’s something that will continue to be a fascinating topic among college football fans.
What’s Next for Jon Gruden?**
Although Gruden has left the NFL behind, many still wonder if he’ll return to coaching, whether in the NFL or college football. With his recent partnership with Barstool Sports, Gruden remains involved in the football world—but will he ever get back into the coaching game? Could he find a home in college football after all?
For now, Gruden’s future remains uncertain, but his legacy in both the NFL and college football continues to make waves. Whether as a coach or a commentator, Gruden’s impact on the game is undeniable—and his near-move to Tennessee only adds to his intriguing story.
What do you think? Would Jon Gruden have been the right choice for Tennessee, or is Josh Heupel the perfect fit for the Vols? Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!
What do you think? Should Tennessee have taken a chance on Gruden? Or is Heupel the right man for the job? Let us know in the comments below!
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