Jon Gruden Emerges as leading Candidate for Arkansas Head Coaching Position
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Former NFL coach Jon Gruden is a surprising frontrunner for the head coaching vacancy at the University of Arkansas, according to recent shifts in betting markets. Gruden’s odds to land the job have surged from 1% to 23% in recent days, positioning him ahead of several other candidates.
Gruden, 62, has publicly expressed a strong desire to return to coaching, stating, “I’m about to make a comeback… I’m going to coach again. I’m still coaching.I’m just not on a team officially.” He specifically highlighted his interest in the Southeastern Conference, declaring at the University of Georgia in August, “I would die to coach in the SEC. I would love it.”
the Razorbacks position would offer Gruden the possibility to fulfill that ambition. He faces competition from North Texas’ Eric Morris and Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield. While Gruden boasts a 117-112 professional record with five playoff appearances and a Super bowl win, Morris (44-33 20-15 at North Texas) and Silverfield (50-24 at Memphis) possess more extensive college coaching experience.
gruden was dismissed from his position with the Las Vegas raiders in 2021 following the discovery of emails containing racial slurs and homophobic language. The Arkansas opening represents a potential path back to the sidelines for the veteran coach.
