Jon Gruden Jokes About Studying NASCAR After Failing to Land Coaching Job

The former NFL head coach teased a possible move to NASCAR while attending the Daytona 500.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Jon Gruden, the former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders, joked that he's "studying NASCAR now" since he has been unable to land a new coaching job in the NFL. Gruden made the comments while attending the Daytona 500 and speaking with FOX Sports' Michael Waltrip.

Why it matters

Gruden's comments highlight his continued desire to get back into coaching, even if that means switching sports entirely to NASCAR. As a Super Bowl-winning head coach, Gruden's potential move to NASCAR would be a surprising career shift and raise questions about his future prospects in the sports world.

The details

While at the Daytona 500, Gruden told Waltrip, "It's unbelievable. You guys start the season with the Super Bowl. This is the greatest event ever. I can't get a job coaching, so I'm studying NASCAR now." Gruden also provided some football-inspired advice to driver Bubba Wallace, saying, "Go trips right, make a left and then if you can't find it, call an audible." Gruden has struggled to land a new coaching job since resigning from the Raiders in 2021 amid an email scandal.

  • Gruden resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2021.
  • Gruden worked as a non-full-time advisor for the New Orleans Saints in 2023.
  • Gruden served as a head coach in the Hula Bowl in January 2026.

The players

Jon Gruden

A former NFL head coach who won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. He has struggled to land a new coaching job since resigning from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.

Bubba Wallace

A NASCAR driver who competed in the 2026 Daytona 500.

Michael Waltrip

A FOX Sports commentator who interviewed Gruden at the Daytona 500.

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What they’re saying

“It's unbelievable. You guys start the season with the Super Bowl. This is the greatest event ever. I can't get a job coaching, so I'm studying NASCAR now.”

— Jon Gruden, Former NFL Head Coach (foxsports.com)

“Go trips right, make a left and then if you can't find it, call an audible.”

— Jon Gruden, Former NFL Head Coach (foxsports.com)

What’s next

Gruden has expressed interest in coaching at the college level, but has yet to land a new job since resigning from the Raiders. It remains to be seen if he will pursue any opportunities in NASCAR or continue to seek a return to the NFL or college football.

The takeaway

Gruden's comments at the Daytona 500 highlight his continued passion for coaching and willingness to explore new opportunities, even in a different sport like NASCAR, as he struggles to find his next job in football. His Super Bowl pedigree and football expertise could potentially translate to a role in NASCAR, though it remains to be seen if he will actually pursue that path.