Jay Gruden Says Brother Jon Would Be a Strong Fit for Giants’ Coaching Vacancy

It has been a turbulent week for the New York Giants, who made headlines by dismissing head coach Brian Daboll after a disappointing start to the 2025 NFL season. With the franchise now beginning its search for a new leader, several names have surfaced as potential replacements — including a familiar and controversial one.

Former NFL coach Jay Gruden, speaking this week on The Arena, Gridiron, suggested that his brother Jon Gruden could be an intriguing fit for the Giants’ vacant position. Jay noted that Jon’s passion for working with quarterbacks and his experience building strong offensive systems could be valuable for a young team led by rookie signal-caller Jackson Dart.

“I think he’d be very interested,” Jay Gruden said. “He loves Jackson Dart. If you have a young quarterback who is talented like Jackson, you want a guy like Jon who is going to challenge him every day.”

Jon Gruden’s name immediately generates mixed reactions across the league. Once one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds, he remains a polarizing figure following his 2021 resignation from the Las Vegas Raiders amid controversy over leaked emails.

1. Jon Gruden’s Coaching Resume and Controversial Exit

Jon Gruden, 61, boasts a decorated coaching career that includes a Super Bowl XXXVII title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and two separate stints as head coach of the Raiders. Known for his fiery sideline demeanor and deep understanding of offensive schemes, Gruden compiled a career record of 117–112 across 15 seasons. His coaching career came to an abrupt halt in October 2021, when leaked emails from a decade earlier revealed Gruden using racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language. The scandal led to his immediate resignation from the Raiders and effectively exiled him from the league. Gruden has since maintained that the emails do not reflect his beliefs and has sought to repair his reputation. He’s occasionally made public appearances, discussed football strategy on podcasts, and even advised college and high school programs on offensive design. Despite the controversy, Jay Gruden insists that his brother remains deeply passionate about coaching and believes he could bring intensity, accountability, and offensive creativity to a struggling Giants organization. “If you want a guy that gets the most out of your quarterback and the most out of your team, Jon would be a good fit,” Jay said.

2. A Rebuilding Giants Team in Search of Leadership

The Giants’ coaching vacancy comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. Following Daboll’s dismissal, New York sits near the bottom of the NFC standings and is once again in the midst of a rebuild. The team’s front office, led by general manager Joe Schoen, is reportedly casting a wide net for candidates as it evaluates both veteran and up-and-coming coaches. While Jon Gruden’s name carries significant baggage, the Giants could consider a range of profiles — from proven NFL coaches to rising assistants. League insiders have mentioned names such as Detroit’s Ben Johnson, Baltimore’s Mike Macdonald, and Dallas coordinator Dan Quinn as potential candidates when the offseason begins. For now, the team has turned to offensive coordinator Mike Kafka as its interim head coach. Kafka, who has been with the organization since 2022, will guide the Giants into their Week 11 matchup against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium. Team executives have given no timeline for a permanent hire, but the process is expected to continue into the offseason as the Giants evaluate both on-field performance and locker room culture.

3. Jon Gruden’s Future Remains Unclear

Whether Jon Gruden would genuinely pursue the Giants job remains uncertain. Jay Gruden admitted he hasn’t spoken with his brother about any specific return plans, saying only that Jon continues to “love the game” and “miss being part of a team.” Jon Gruden has previously expressed interest in returning to the sidelines if the right situation arises — particularly one featuring a promising young quarterback. The Giants, with Jackson Dart showing flashes of potential in his rookie campaign, could fit that mold. However, given the lingering public scrutiny surrounding Gruden’s departure from the Raiders, any team considering him would face significant backlash and must weigh potential distractions against his coaching pedigree. The Giants, meanwhile, continue to navigate a crucial transition period. As they search for their next leader, the franchise must decide whether to take a bold gamble on experience — or look toward a new generation of coaches to rebuild its identity.