Jon Gruden, the former NFL head coach and legendary sideline personality, has suddenly surged as a favorite to take over the Arkansas Razorbacks, according to the latest figures from the prediction market Kalshi. In just a short span, his odds jumped from 1% to over 23%, signaling a flurry of interest in the possibility of Gruden returning to coaching, this time in the SEC.
Eyeing a Return: Gruden Targets Comeback in SEC
Gruden has never hidden his desire to get back on the sidelines. He has consistently hinted at a willingness to explore college football opportunities, particularly in the SEC. Even in retirement, Gruden has remained immersed in the game, spending his days watching film and staying connected to football. “I’m being honest with you. I do not bulls--t, either. I want to coach again. I’d die to coach in the SEC. I would love it. I would f-cking love it,” Gruden recently stated, a sentiment that resonates with players who value passion, intensity, and leadership.
Despite the excitement around Gruden, the Razorbacks’ search remains competitive. He is currently in a tight race with two other leading candidates: Eric Morris of North Texas and Ryan Silverfield of Memphis, both of whom have had recent playoff success in the Group of Five ranks. While Gruden’s experience and deep football knowledge are undeniable, questions remain about his familiarity with the college landscape, including the transfer portal and NIL considerations. He would likely need a strong supporting staff to maximize success in the modern college game.
Beyond that, he would also face challenges adapting his coaching style to younger athletes, recruiting against well-established SEC programs, and managing the unique pressures of college football media and fan expectations factors that differ significantly from the NFL environment he knows so well.
What a Gruden Hire Could Mean for Arkansas Football
Still, the potential hire is a bold statement for Arkansas. Gruden embodies the heart, intensity, and fire associated with SEC football, and his arrival could energize the fan base and the locker room alike. While uncertainty comes with any headline-grabbing hire, Arkansas taking a shot at a high-profile figure like Gruden signals the program’s willingness to aim for the stars and the possibility of transforming the Razorbacks into an immediate contender.