Should Oklahoma State Want Jon Gruden as Head Coach — and Should Gruden Want Oklahoma State?
After two decades of stability, Oklahoma State football finds itself at a crossroads. Mike Gundy, the iconic head coach who led the Cowboys since 2005, is out. Gundy not only brought consistency to the program but also elevated Oklahoma State into a perennial Big 12 contender. His departure leaves a massive void—and a massive question: Who’s next?
One name that has surfaced, surprisingly or not, is Jon Gruden.
Yes, that Jon Gruden.
Gruden hasn’t coached since 2021, when his second stint with the (then-Oakland) Raiders came to an unceremonious end following the release of controversial emails. Since then, he’s kept a relatively low profile—working as an analyst, hosting private film sessions, and staying plugged into the game from the outside. But now, with Oklahoma State's job open, could this be the right time—and place—for Gruden to make a return to the sidelines?
The Case for Oklahoma State Wanting Gruden
There’s no denying Gruden’s football pedigree. He’s a Super Bowl-winning head coach with decades of NFL experience, known for his fiery personality, deep understanding of offensive football, and ability to inspire players. His first stint with the Raiders made him a cult hero; his run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made him a champion.
From a purely football perspective, Gruden brings star power, national recognition, and a sharp football mind. For Oklahoma State, a school that’s always been just outside the national spotlight, hiring someone like Gruden would create immediate buzz. It would turn heads in recruiting, draw media attention, and send a message that the Cowboys are serious about staying relevant in an increasingly competitive Big 12.
The Risks of a Gruden Hire
But hype doesn’t win football games—just ask North Carolina.
The Tar Heels made a similar splash by bringing in NFL legend Bill Belichick as a consultant, hoping that a legendary mind could translate to college success. So far, that experiment has been rocky at best. Why? Because college football today isn’t what it was even five years ago.
The landscape has shifted dramatically. NIL deals, the transfer portal, constant media scrutiny, and the need to build relationships with high school and even middle school recruits create a full-time grind that’s vastly different from the NFL model. For a coach like Gruden, whose last experience in the college game was in the early '90s, the transition would be steep.
And then there’s the baggage. Gruden’s exit from the NFL was messy, controversial, and still fresh in the minds of many. While he has defenders and a respected football IQ, any program hiring him must be ready to handle the PR storm that would inevitably follow.
Would Gruden Even Want Oklahoma State?
This goes both ways. Oklahoma State may be considering Gruden, but would Gruden seriously consider Oklahoma State?
He’s spent most of his professional life at the NFL level. He’s used to dealing with grown men, professional organizations, and the elite tier of football competition. College football, especially in today’s ever-changing landscape, requires a different kind of energy. Recruiting never stops. The transfer portal creates constant roster turnover. Players expect transparency, branding opportunities, and personal connection.
Would Gruden, at this stage in his life and career, want to dive into that world?
Maybe. Gruden has always been a football lifer. If he’s looking for redemption, for one more shot to lead, and for a way to rebuild his legacy, Oklahoma State might just be the kind of place that makes sense. It’s not the SEC or Big Ten spotlight. It’s a proud program with solid resources and a hungry fanbase.
But he would need to buy into the entire job and not just game planning the X’s and O’s. He will have to dive into culture-building, recruiting, media relations, and NIL.
Final Thought: Is It Worth the Gamble?
Bringing Jon Gruden to Stillwater would be a bold move, there’s no denying that. But bold doesn’t always mean right.
Oklahoma State has built its success on continuity, culture, and player development. Gundy wasn't a flashy hire when he took over, but he became the face of the program by understanding what OSU is all about. The next coach needs to do the same.
Gruden might be able to adjust. He might even thrive. But he’s not a sure thing. And in today’s college football world, hiring a name just for headlines can backfire in a hurry.
Oklahoma State needs a leader who fits the program and its future—not just someone who was the face of Monday Night Football.