Jon Gruden is ready to trade his headset for a microphone—but with a twist. The former NFL coach, who spent nearly a decade dissecting plays on Monday Night Football, now wants to be the voice guiding viewers through the action, not just analyzing it.
During an appearance on The Ira Kaufman Podcast, Gruden laid out his latest broadcasting ambition. “I was a broadcaster for nine years,” he said. “I want to be play-by-play. You know, Frank Gifford, he transitioned into the play-by-play role. I would like to transition. I had nine years of watching these guys — [Mike] Tirico. And I’d like to give that a shot, man.”
Gruden’s previous run in the booth was marked by his energetic style, quarterback breakdowns, and the beloved “Gruden’s Grinders” segment. But after stepping away from coaching following the NFL email controversy, he’s been building a media presence with Barstool Sports. Now, he’s angling for a return to network broadcasts—this time as the lead play-by-play voice.
It’s a shift that has precedent. Frank Gifford famously moved from color commentary to play-by-play on Monday Night Football, and Gruden clearly sees a path. He credits his former partner Mike Tirico for teaching him the ropes. “I learned a lot from Mike,” Gruden noted. “He made it look easy, but it’s a craft.”
Landing a play-by-play gig in the NFL is no small feat. The top jobs are held by seasoned pros like Al Michaels and Kevin Harlan. But Gruden isn’t deterred. He might start at a lower level—college games or preseason broadcasts—and work his way up. His name recognition alone would draw viewers.
Gruden’s pivot comes as former ESPN boss John Skipper unloads on Fox's World Cup coverage, highlighting the intense competition in sports broadcasting. Meanwhile, from NFL stardom to sidelines: 128 former pros now coaching high school football shows that many ex-players and coaches are finding new paths in the game.
If Gruden gets his wish, fans could hear a familiar voice calling a game from a fresh perspective. “It would be a lot of fun,” he said. “I’ve been on the other side. Now I want to set the table.”
Whether the NFL or a network takes a chance on him remains to be seen. But Gruden’s track record—both as a Super Bowl-winning coach and a ratings magnet in the booth—makes him a compelling candidate. For now, he’s ready to call the action, not just analyze it.
