Former NFL head coach and Super Bowl champion Jon Gruden is interested in returning to the sideline but it is not at the level he is used to.

Gruden spoke with Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports and expressed an interest in coaching at the collegiate level.

“Yeah, I’m interested in coaching,” Gruden told Marcello.

“My dad was a college coach. I was a college coach at Pitt. My wife was a cheerleader at Tennessee when I met her. Hell yeah, I’m interested in coaching. I know I can help a team. I know I can help young players get better and I know I can hire a good staff. That’s the only thing I can guarantee.”

Gruden last coached in the NFL in 2021 when he was fired by the Las Vegas Raiders following discriminatory emails found involving commissioner Roger Goodell. The emails were found as part of an investigation into former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder.

Gruden’s career is likely finished at the NFL level but he could resurface as a collegiate head coach.

“If there’s somebody out there that thinks they need a candidate, somebody to come in there, maybe lather it up a little bit, jazz it up a little bit, I’ll be down here in Tampa,” Gruden said.

The question is, who could be looking for a new head coach?

The first team that comes to mind is Florida. Billy Napier has failed to take this program in the right direction and the 2024 season could continue to snowball. The Gators have the most-difficult schedule in the nation and there are not many wins forthcoming.

Fellow in-state team Florida State is always an intriguing destination as well. The Seminoles are off to an 0-3 start this season. It is unlikely that Florida State parts ways with Mike Norvell after an undefeated season in 2023 but anything is possible.

Each year, there are head coaching jobs that open up and Gruden could emerge as an intriguing candidate moving forward.