ALAMEDA — Jon Gruden is finally back in coaching.
He’ll be introduced as the Oakland Raiders’ head coach at noon PST here at team headquarters.
Join us in this post for live updates throughout the day on the scene at the facility, notable quotes from Gruden’s press conference and more from Chucky’s return to Oakland.
Fans gather at HQ entrance for glimpse at Gruden
Around 10 a.m., a group of 20 or so fans stood at the entrance to Raiders headquarters. One fan wearing a Khalil Mack jersey held a sign that read, “Welcome Home Chucky,” referencing the nickname Gruden assumed during his first stint as Oakland’s head coach from 1998-2001. A security guard told one fan to step back as he tried to get the attention of someone entering through HQ’s main door. It should be quite the scene today for Gruden’s return. According to a team spokesperson, about 100 media members are credentialed.
Mark Davis to speak publicly for first time since firing Jack Del Rio
After giving Del Rio the axe following Oakland’s 30-10 loss to the Chargers on New Year’s Eve, Davis skirted out of the StubHub Center without speaking. He didn’t offer a statement throughout the Gruden rumors last week and didn’t make one in the team’s official release announcing Gruden’s hiring on Saturday. The Raiders’ owner will speak to media on Tuesday, right by Gruden’s side when he’s introduced.
Weight room transforms into press conference hall
Almost the entire Raiders’ weight room was cleared out for chairs, carpets, cameras, you name it for Gruden’s introduction. There’s already music playing from the weight room speakers an hour before festivities begin. Gruden’s agent, Bob LaMonte, and former Raiders Charles Woodson and Tim Brown are among the early notable figures in attendance. There are three seats at the podium, likely for Gruden, Davis and general manager Reggie McKenzie.
Jon Gruden’s longtime agent Bob Lamonte says Mark Davis has been chasing Gruden ever since he took over the team. Tried to hire him twice before, Lamonte said. Jon wasn’t ready to come back.
— Carl Steward (@stewardsfolly) January 9, 2018
Lamonte said Tampa Bay was also in play for Gruden’s return but that Jon felt he had “unfinished business” in Oakland.
— Carl Steward (@stewardsfolly) January 9, 2018
Plenty of Raiders alumni in the building
Just to name a few, Jerry Rice, Charles Woodson, Tim Brown, Howie Long, Jim Plunkett, Rich Gannon and Jim Otto are here. Plenty more with them. Davis steps to the front of the room with five minutes until show time.
Gruden announces coordinator hirings
The names that have been reported were the ones Gruden made official on Tuesday: OC Greg Olson (Rams), DC Paul Guenther (Bengals) and special teams coach Rich Bisaccia (Cowboys).
Gruden on Derek Carr
“He has great arm talent. He’s got natural leadership skills…I think he’s got huge upside. Very, very excited to have him as our quarterback.”
Gruden on his reported 10-year, $100 million deal
“I don’t have a guarantee to be alive for 10 years.” Gruden also adds there will be no ownership stake included in his deal.
Jon Gruden on big contract: “don’t really know the terms. All I know is this year I’ll be coaching in Oakland. Next Year I’ll coach in Oakland. How long I stay here will be determined by how well we play.” pic.twitter.com/eFoVhVVZDx
— Martin Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) January 9, 2018
- Gruden said he’ll call the plays on offense.
Charles Woodson asks Gruden if there’s a no-trade clause in his contract
Charles Woodson asks Jon Gruden if there’s a no-trade clause in his deal. pic.twitter.com/HkcxyzSmBt
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 9, 2018
Who did Raiders interview to satisfy Rooney Rule?
GM Reggie McKenzie said the Raiders interviewed two minority candidates to satisfy the Rooney Rule, Raiders tight ends coach Bobby Johnson and USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin.
Gruden still thinks about Tuck Rule game
The new Raiders head coach feels he has “unfinished business” from losing to the Patriots, a defeat that ended up being his last game as Oakland’s head coach.
“For my career to end that night in New England, it still ticks me off.”
Jon Gruden punts question about Raiders moving to Las Vegas: “I’m a short-term goal coach… People in the Black Hole out there listening, I can’t wait to see you, man.” pic.twitter.com/mCVmkOytIG
— Martin Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) January 9, 2018
Jon Gruden on if he still thinks about the “Tuck Rule” Game: “For my career to end like that in New England, that really ticked me off… I’m gonna do everything I can to help this team get right again.” pic.twitter.com/Q8DpVwrsKU
— Martin Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) January 9, 2018