Return of Jon Gruden adds intrigue to preseason game
NAPA, Calif. — As much as he tries to downplay the significance, Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden is fully aware tonight’s exhibition game against the Detroit Lions will be anything but an ordinary preseason contest.
It’s been 17 years since Gruden last roamed a sideline at the OaklandAlameda County Coliseum with the Raiders. He came back in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and again in 2012 as a television analyst.
Gruden’s iconic status among Raiders fans promises to make this time different. Much, much different.
“I am looking forward to it,” Gruden said Wednesday after the second of two joint practices with the Lions. “I’m looking forward to it big time. 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.”
Gruden developed a cult-like following during his first stint as the Raiders coach from 1998 to 2001. Those feelings didn’t wane when Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay for draft picks and cash, and the emotions only strengthened when the coach went into the television booth.
Gruden showed his appreciation in 2009 while in town to broadcast a San Francisco 49ers game when he held a party at Ricky’s, a Raiders sports bar not far from the Coliseum.
Gruden held another party at Ricky’s three weeks ago to celebrate his return and paid for dinner and soft drinks for the fans. About 600 people showed up.
“It’s an honor to be here and it’s a great story, but I also just want to do everything I can in order to try and help this team win again,” Gruden said. “I love the Raider fans. I love Oakland, and that’s the primary reason I’m standing here.”
Lions coach Matt Patricia developed a friendship with Gruden while Patricia was defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots and Gruden was working at ESPN. Gruden’s return, Patricia said, is good for the NFL.
“If you meet with him, you’re going to find a guy that absolutely loves football from its core, all the way out, every aspect of it,” Patricia said. “He loves to coach, and I think he loves to be around the players. I think it’s great for the game. I think it’s great for the Raiders organization.”