Full Breakdown
Jon Gruden Set to Call a 2026 NFL Preseason Game While His Lawsuit Against the League Persists
7/16/2026, 11:10:06 AM
Core Development
Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is slated to perform play-by-play announcing for an NFL preseason contest scheduled for August 2026. The information comes from Tampa-Bay-based reporter Ira Kaufman, who disclosed the plan during his appearance on the Ira Kaufman Podcast and later on WDAE radio. No network or specific team has been identified, and Gruden’s agency has not commented.
Background & Context
Gruden resigned from the Raiders in 2021 after a cache of emails containing racist, misogynistic and homophobic remarks was released. Since then, he has been engaged in a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” that damaged his career. The Nevada Supreme Court allowed the case to proceed in court rather than arbitration in August, and in October it unanimously denied the league’s petition to reconsider that decision.
During the intervening years, Gruden worked as a football analyst for Barstool Sports and previously served as an ESPN Monday Night Football color commentator (2009-2017). He also led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory in the 2002 season.
Official Statements & Responses
Gruden has repeatedly expressed a desire to return to on-field roles. On the Ira Kaufman Podcast he said, “I want to be play-by-play,” and later added, “You know, Frank Gifford, he transitioned into the play-by-play role. I would like to transition. I had nine years of watching these guys — [Mike] Tirico. And I’d like to give that a shot, man.”
Kaufman reinforced Gruden’s commitment, stating, “He’s not fooling around about this stuff. He’s not.”
Gruden also hinted at a broader coaching comeback, remarking, “Hopefully I’m not done. I’m about to make a comeback,” and, “I don’t care if I coach at Jones Junior High. I’m going to coach again.”
Criticism & Opposition
Industry observers note that Gruden’s active litigation makes NFL franchises hesitant to consider him for head-coaching positions. The legal dispute, combined with the 2021 email scandal, has limited his opportunities, pushing him toward lower-profile broadcasting assignments. Analysts point out that at 62-plus years old, Gruden faces an age bias that favors younger coaching candidates.
Data & Statistics
- Super Bowl XXXVII champion (2002 season) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Head-coaching record with the Buccaneers: 57-55 regular-season, 3-2 playoffs.
- Nine years as an ESPN Monday Night Football analyst (2009-2017).
- Current age: 62, turning 63 in August 2026.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the specifics of the preseason assignment. While Kaufman confirmed Gruden will call a game in August 2026, he did not disclose the broadcast partner or the teams involved. No official NFL or network statement has been released, leaving the exact platform and scope of the role uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hopefully I’m not done. I’m about to make a comeback,” — Jon Gruden
- “I don’t care if I coach at Jones Junior High.” — Jon Gruden
- “I want to be play-by-play,” — Jon Gruden
- “You know, Frank Gifford, he transitioned into the play-by-play role. I would like to transition. I had nine years of watching these guys — [Mike] Tirico. And I’d like to give that a shot, man.” — Jon Gruden
- “He’s not fooling around about this stuff. He’s not,” — Ira Kaufman
What’s Next
The announced preseason broadcast is expected in August 2026. Observers will watch whether the assignment leads to additional on-air opportunities for Gruden or influences the trajectory of his pending lawsuit against the NFL.
