Have you ever wondered what happens to those familiar faces who once led your favorite football team from the sidelines? It's a question many fans ponder, especially when it comes to a team with such a rich and, in some respects, dramatic history as the Las Vegas Raiders. The coaching carousel in the NFL is, you know, a pretty wild ride, and coaches often move from one place to another, sometimes disappearing from the spotlight, or perhaps, finding a new one entirely.
Fans often get pretty attached to their team's leaders, so it’s natural to feel a bit curious about where they end up. We're going to take a look at some of the recent former head coaches for the Raiders and see where their paths have led them since their time in the silver and black. It's actually a really common question, as a matter of fact, for supporters who keep up with the league.
From high-profile returns to quiet departures and new opportunities, the stories behind these coaching changes are, in a way, quite interesting. So, if you've been asking yourself, "What happened to the Raiders' old head coach?", you're in the right spot to get some answers right now.
Table of Contents
- Jon Gruden: His Raiders Return and Aftermath
- Jack Del Rio: From Oakland to Washington and Beyond
- Dennis Allen: A Second Chance at the Helm
- Other Notable Former Raiders Coaches
- Frequently Asked Questions
Jon Gruden: His Raiders Return and Aftermath
Jon Gruden, a name that really resonates with Raiders fans, had a rather unique journey with the team. He first coached the Raiders from 1998 to 2001, bringing them to a strong position. After that, he went on to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even winning a Super Bowl against his former team. It was quite a story, you know, at the time.
Following his time with the Buccaneers, Gruden spent a good number of years as a prominent football analyst for ESPN, where he was a well-known voice on "Monday Night Football." Then, in a truly surprising move, he made a grand return to the Raiders as head coach in 2018. This was a significant moment for the franchise, signaling a new era, or so it seemed, with a long-term contract.
His second stint with the Raiders, however, came to an unexpected and rather abrupt end. In October 2021, a series of emails from Gruden's past surfaced. These messages contained language that was, well, widely considered inappropriate and offensive. The controversy grew quickly, and Gruden ultimately resigned from his position as head coach. This happened during the 2021 season, which was a pretty big deal for the team and the league, obviously.
Since his resignation, Jon Gruden has not returned to coaching in the NFL or any other major football league. He has, in some respects, remained out of the public coaching eye. There have been reports of legal actions he has pursued against the NFL regarding the release of his emails. As of now, he is not actively involved in coaching, which is a big change for someone who was so visible for so long, you know.
Gruden's Biography and Personal Details
| Full Name | Jon David Gruden |
| Born | August 17, 1963 (currently 60 years old as of late 2023/early 2024) |
| Birthplace | Sandusky, Ohio, USA |
| College | University of Dayton |
| NFL Coaching Career (Head Coach) | Oakland Raiders (1998-2001), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-2008), Las Vegas Raiders (2018-2021) |
| Super Bowl Wins | XXXVII (with Tampa Bay Buccaneers) |
| Current Status | Not actively coaching in the NFL |
Jack Del Rio: From Oakland to Washington and Beyond
Jack Del Rio was another head coach for the Raiders, taking the helm from 2015 to 2017. He actually brought a lot of excitement back to the team, leading them to a 12-4 record and a playoff appearance in 2016. That season was a really bright spot for the franchise after a period of struggles, and fans were pretty optimistic, you know, about what was next.
However, the team's performance dipped in 2017, finishing with a 6-10 record. Following that season, the Raiders decided to make a coaching change, and Del Rio was let go. This happened just before Jon Gruden's return, so it was a quick turnaround in coaching leadership, as a matter of fact, for the team.
After leaving the Raiders, Jack Del Rio didn't stay out of the NFL for long. He eventually joined the Washington Commanders (then the Washington Football Team) as their defensive coordinator in 2020. He held that position for several seasons, working to improve their defense. His time there had its ups and downs, but he was a key part of their defensive strategy, you know, for a while.
More recently, Del Rio's tenure with the Commanders concluded during the 2023 season. He was dismissed from his defensive coordinator role in November 2023. As of early 2024, Jack Del Rio is not currently holding a coaching position in the NFL. It's a bit unclear what his next move might be, or if he plans to return to coaching, you know, at some point.
Dennis Allen: A Second Chance at the Helm
Dennis Allen's connection to the Raiders actually goes back further than some might remember. He was the head coach for the team from 2012 to early in the 2014 season. His initial stint with the Raiders was, to be honest, a tough one, with the team struggling to find consistent wins. He was eventually relieved of his duties early in his third season, so that was a bit of a short run.
After his departure from the Raiders, Allen moved on to become the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2015. This move proved to be a really good fit for him. He spent many successful seasons with the Saints, building a reputation as a highly regarded defensive mind in the league. His defenses were often among the best, which is pretty impressive, honestly.
In a turn of events, Dennis Allen received another opportunity to be a head coach in the NFL. Following Sean Payton's decision to step away from coaching the Saints, Allen was promoted to head coach of the New Orleans Saints in 2022. This was a big moment for him, getting a second chance to lead a team. He's been leading the Saints since then, trying to guide them back to consistent success in the NFC South. It's almost like a full circle moment for him, in a way, getting another shot at the top job.
Other Notable Former Raiders Coaches
Beyond Gruden, Del Rio, and Allen, the Raiders have had several other coaches in recent memory whose paths have also taken different turns. For example, Hue Jackson was the head coach for one season in 2011. After leaving the Raiders, he went on to serve as an offensive coordinator for various teams before becoming the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. His time with the Browns was, you know, pretty challenging, and he's since coached at other levels, like in the USFL. It just goes to show how many different directions a coaching career can take, sometimes.
Tony Sparano also served as an interim head coach for the Raiders in 2014 after Dennis Allen was fired. Sparano had a long career in the NFL, mostly as an offensive line coach and offensive coordinator, and also had a head coaching stint with the Miami Dolphins. Sadly, he passed away in 2018. His contributions to the game were, honestly, pretty significant over the years.
Then there's Josh McDaniels, who was the most recent head coach before the current interim coach. He was hired in 2022 but was dismissed during the 2023 season. His future coaching plans are, you know, still unfolding. It's really common for coaches to take some time off after a head coaching role, so it remains to be seen where he might land next. The coaching world is pretty dynamic, after all.
The journey of a head coach in the NFL is, you know, often filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns. For the Raiders, their coaching history is a clear example of this constant movement. Whether they find new opportunities, step away from the game, or even get a second chance at the top, each coach's story is a unique chapter in the team's ongoing narrative. You can learn more about the history of NFL coaching changes on our site, and also check out this page for more about the Raiders' team history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Raiders' head coach before Antonio Pierce?
Before Antonio Pierce took over as the interim head coach during the 2023 season, the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders was Josh McDaniels. He was hired in 2022 and held the position until he was dismissed mid-season in 2023. It was a pretty short tenure, you know, for him with the team.
Why did Jon Gruden leave the Raiders?
Jon Gruden resigned as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2021. This decision came after a series of offensive and inappropriate emails he had sent years prior were made public. The controversy surrounding these messages led to his departure, which was a big story at the time, honestly.
Is Jack Del Rio still coaching in the NFL?
As of early 2024, Jack Del Rio is not currently coaching in the NFL. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders from 2020 until he was dismissed during the 2023 season. His next steps in the coaching world are, you know, not yet known.
