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The Bucs welcomed one of the crucial outstanding figures of the staff’s historical past to Thursday’s coaching camp apply.
Jon Gruden, the franchise’s all-time winningest head coach who guided the staff to its first Tremendous Bowl, was on the staff’s facility and took time to deal with the media within the morning.
Gruden will return to the sales space alongside coloration analyst Rondé Barber, whom he coached from 2002-08. He additionally provided an enthusiastic endorsement of quarterback Baker Mayfield, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and Tampa Bay’s revamped roster.
Jon Gruden Thanks Bucs, Appears Ahead To Reuniting With Rondé Barber
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles and former Bucs head coach Jon Gruden – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Gruden has at all times discovered a method again to Tampa Bay soccer since his dad Jim labored for the staff as director of participant personnel and a operating backs coach within the early Nineteen Eighties. A historic commerce introduced him again to town within the early 2000s, and he has since been re-inducted into the staff’s Ring of Honor and was featured within the Increase The Flags docuseries within the 2020s.
With the 2 longest stops of his skilled profession being his Bucs head teaching tenure and calling video games for ESPN, the chance to name a sport for the staff is one thing he’s grateful for.
“I’d just like to say thanks to the Buccaneers for letting me back in the booth and back in the stadium,” Gruden stated in his opening assertion. “I’m fired up. We got a great, young team here. We’ve added some players, and to be up there with Rondé Barber for three and a half hours, God knows what’s going to happen. We’re going to have fun; we’re going to celebrate the Bucs and hopefully kick off what’s going to be a real special season.”
Gruden continues to reside and breathe soccer, remaining immersed within the sport. He mirrored on what the primary stint of his broadcasting profession meant to him.
Former Bucs head coach Jon Gruden – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“I had a lot of fun doing it for nine years,” Gruden stated. “I was very fortunate on Monday Night Football, especially the years with [Mike] Tirico — we had a lot of fun. We took every game like it was the Super Bowl. We took it very seriously, had a lot of fun. I enjoy the profession and at this point in my life, I still study football all the time. I’m still a big fan of the Bucs; I live right down the street, so I’m really excited about it.”
What Does Jon Gruden Assume Of Baker Mayfield And The 2026 Bucs?
Jon Gruden refused to speak concerning the contract drama that the Bucs discover themselves in with Baker Mayfield and Vita Vea. Gruden did share his ideas about Mayfield, somebody who he has lengthy held in excessive regard.
#Bucs former HC Jon Gruden expects to see so much from QB Baker Mayfield this season, including that he admires the way in which he performs the sport. pic.twitter.com/jnRjIz5eUV
Whereas Gruden doesn’t think about himself an offensive guru, he additionally mentioned how hiring Zac Robinson modifications the system round Mayfield.
“I’m not a guru; I’ve been fired quite a bit,” Gruden joked. “Robinson, he comes off that McVay tree, Sean was right here with us in Tampa as you already know. You watch him, you see a number of 12 personnel, two tight ends… I see a number of shotgun operation, pistol formation. I do know Kirk Cousins properly, I’ve discovered slightly bit about their system when he was in Atlanta.
“I know the terminology is similar to what they had here with Liam [Coen], and I’m sure that’s helpful to the veteran players. Everybody’s got to put their own spin on things… I’m confident that Zac will do a great job.”
He’s the second former Bucs head coach to endorse Robinson after Bruce Arians did on the Pewter Report Podcast earlier this summer time. Tampa Bay’s latest play-caller does have the problem of constructing the passing sport round somebody not named Mike Evans.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and OC Zac Robinson – Photograph by Cliff Welch P/R
As Gruden sees it, it might develop into a committee of types.
“That’s a challenge,” Gruden admitted. “Mike wasn’t good, he was nice. There’s a giant distinction between good and nice. What he did right here was — nobody’s ever going to do. I imply, 11 straight years. I used to be right here; [Joey] Galloway did it three straight years, and he broke a Buccaneer file. Most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. This man did it 11 occasions. He did it on the bottom of journeys, they remoted him. He gained. 27 contested touchdowns in the previous few years, I bought him on a reel.
“They put him in the slot, he showcased quickness. I hated seeing him leave. You won’t replace him, but somebody’s got to step in those shoes, and they might do it by committee. I’m excited to see this [Ted] Hurst kid. 6-4, runs 4.4. [Jalen] McMillan, when healthy, he’s a hell of a player man. I like this Tez Johnson guy, he’s interesting. You don’t replace anybody like Mike, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime player.”
With the 2026 NFL season quickly approaching, Gruden believes that the Bucs have sufficient items on either side of the soccer to beat anyone. Citing improved depth, a rebuilt entrance seven and confidence within the offense beneath Robinson, Gruden believes the staff has greater than sufficient expertise.
Bucs Ring of Honor head coach Jon Gruden – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“When wholesome, I believe from prime to backside they will beat anyone. They’ve confirmed that. I believe that’s primary, they bought a number of expertise. They’ve bought some depth now as a result of a number of children bought to play final yr. I believe that’s massive. I believe secondly, the entrance seven on protection has been rebuilt for a great cause. I believe the linebacking core, some added move rushers, some girth inside, I can’t wait to see that.
“Then the transition from coordinator to coordinator, I don’t know how Mayfield has done this… I’m anxious to see the Robinson spin on things and the ball distribution has always been a big part of the Bucs’ success. Let’s hope Bucky’s healthy and some of these young receivers emerge.”
In simply over two weeks, Jon Gruden shall be calling the motion as a substitute of calling performs.
When Gruden returns to Raymond James Stadium, he’ll carry the identical vitality, soccer IQ and unfiltered evaluation that proceed to make him one of the crucial recognizable voices overlaying the NFL.
