It’s official since Tuesday: Jon Gruden is the new head coach of the Oakland Raiders! Gruden was introduced at a press conference with big words – a press conference at which no secret was made about how urgently team owner Mark Davis wanted to get back the ex-raiders coach.
“Once a Raider, always a Raider. That was never more true than today. Raider nation, that’s a hell of a big deal,”Davis beamed at the presentation of his new head coach on Tuesday. Davis’ admiration for Gruden is regarded as one of the main reasons why the unlikely reunification has actually taken place.
Gruden, who has not coached an NFL game since 2008 and instead became ESPN’s face as a TV expert for Monday Night Football, is said to have been awarded a ten-year contract with an annual salary of around ten million dollars. The 54-year-old had been hauled to Tampa Bay in 2002 as a raiders-head coach for several high draft picks, and then hit Oakland in the Super Bowl as Bucs coach. After seven years in Tampa, he was released.
“I never wanted to leave the Raiders – and I never thought I’d come back,”Gruden said himself,”but here I am and I’m ready. For me, there were some important reasons for my return: I love football and the players. I love the preparation, the journey. And I love the city of Oakland. My son was born here, some of my greatest memories are tied to this town.”
Therefore, he wants to help now to give the fans two of the best football years they can imagine before the team moves to Las Vegas “. I love the Raiders, the brand is known worldwide. But most of all, I want to win. I want to do everything in my power to win games.”
Furthermore,”he has the feeling in my heart that this is the right decision. That’s what I want to do. This is the organization I want to be a part of. I’m all-in. I will do everything I can to put together a great coaching staff and get the raiders back on track. I’ve been preparing for my return. I’m ready, I’m just ready.”
Gruden has already confirmed that former Rams-QB coach Greg Olson will be his offensive coordinator, while ex-Bengal defensive coordinator Paul Guenther will take over the Raiders defence. Gruden wants to announce the plays himself in the games – an exciting aspect, as the game has changed significantly since 2008.
“I have a lot to prove,”Gruden continued,”I haven’t played as head coach since 2008. I haven’t won a game since 2008 – and of course I haven’t lost a single one. I want to keep the right perspective, so the composition of the coaching staff has top priority for me. I have a lot to prove, I know that. But the game is still decided by the players and we all have to adapt every year.”