‘Chucky’ takes stab at coaching once again

“Chucky ” is back on the sideline at the Oakland Coliseum.

Jon Gruden makes his return to coaching for the Oakland Raiders when they host the Detroit Lions in their exhibition debut on Friday.

Gruden last coached a home contest in Oakland on Jan. 12, 2002, when the Raiders beat the Jets 38-24 in a playoff game. Oakland lost the “tuck rule” game in New England the following week and Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay after the season, with whom he won a Super Bowl in 2003.

Now he’s back for a second stint in Oakland after spending the last nine seasons as a TV analyst.

“I’m looking forward to it big time,” he said. “I’ve got some things obviously I’ve got to work out. So I’ve got to work myself through calling plays again and managing some tough situations. I’m anxious to see if I can do it.”

The game also marks the debut for new Lions coach Matt Patricia, hired this off-season after a highly successful stint as defensive coordinator for New England.

The Lions will leave starters in just long enough to break a sweat before backups compete for spots on the roster.

Third-string Lions quarterback Jake Rudock will have a lot to play for. Rudock made the team as a rookie last year, but veteran Matt Cassel was signed to be Matthew Stafford’s backup. Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson will have a chance to make an impression and perhaps push veteran LeGarrette Blount for a starting spot.