Fansided

Jon Gruden is a brilliant hire for the Raiders, and here’s why

By Thomas Wheaton

5 Nov 2001: Jon Gruden head coach of the Oakland Raiders shouts on the sideline in their game versus the Denver Broncos at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 38-28. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport
5 Nov 2001: Jon Gruden head coach of the Oakland Raiders shouts on the sideline in their game versus the Denver Broncos at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 38-28. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport /
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OAKLAND – JANUARY 6: Jon Gruden, Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders, watches from the sidelines during a National Football League game against the New York Jets played on January 6, 2002 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
OAKLAND – JANUARY 6: Jon Gruden, Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders, watches from the sidelines during a National Football League game against the New York Jets played on January 6, 2002 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

5. The history between the Raiders and Gruden

Gruden is no stranger to the organization and its fans. Mark Davis, son of the great Al Davis who hired Gruden to begin with, has shown his affection for the former head coach many times. He has also made multiple runs at getting Gruden back into coaching throughout the years. There is a clear connection between the two, and in all honesty, there is some unfinished business.

From 1998 to 2002 Gruden coached the Raiders. Throughout that time, he posted a 38-26 record with two playoff wins. He captured two division titles and under his supervision, the team never finished less than .500. He was then traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for cash and a couple draft picks, and many would argue it was one of the biggest mistakes Al Davis ever made.

Following the “Tuck Rule” game in the 2001 post-season, Gruden’s time with the Raiders had come to a close. That leads to my point about unfinished business. After trading Gruden away, the Raiders would go on to make the Super Bowl after a great 2002 season. Of all the teams they could have faced, of course it was the Bucs led by Gruden. As it played out. the Bucs would triumph and Gruden would beat his former team on the biggest stage.

Nobody has forgotten that sequence of events. This move for Gruden is by no means a new endeavor. Better than anyone else, the Raiders understand what they are getting in Gruden. Chucky will bring the fire back to Oakland and will chase the ring he was not able to win during his first stint.

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