In just two months, Jon Gruden wins another battle against the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell. Currently out of a coaching job for nearly four years, the former Las Vegas Raiders head coach’s emails were leaked, containing racist, se–ist, and anti-gay messages about Goodell and others, right before his resignation in 2021.

Now, on October 2, the former head coach got another victory when the Nevada Supreme Court rejected the NFL’s petition by 7-0 to rehear its petition against Gruden in his lawsuit against Goodell and others. It definitely raises pressure on the NFL officials. Now, the league can appeal to the US Supreme Court, while Gruden will breathe easier, as he will not be forced to participate in the NFL arbitration process. This means the hearing will be conducted as a public trial.

It started back in May 2022 when a state judge rejected the NFL’s appeal to dismiss Gruden’s claim outright or order out-of-court talks. She sided with Jon Gruden while handing the decision to the jury, who had to decide if the emails were leaked with a ‘specific intent’ or to cause a particular action. Later, the league ultimately moved to the Nevada Supreme Court, where judges ruled again in Gruden’s favor.

In their 5-2 ruling, one dissenting judge said that since Gruden was a former employee, the NFL constitution did not apply to him. He said, “By its own unambiguous language, the NFL Constitution no longer applies to Gruden. If the NFL Constitution were to bind former employees, the Commissioner could essentially pick and choose which disputes to arbitrate.”

Another dissenting justice even claimed that it was ‘outrageous’ to hold the arbitration under Goodell, as he was also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. However, the two judges who voted in favor of the NFL said that Gruden already knew that the league used arbitration to settle its disputes.

Yet, it’s a monumental victory for the former Raiders coach now. But the final solution is still a long shot.

What now for Jon Gruden?

The victory might open the gates for the former NFL coach. Last year during an interview, he said that he was interested in coaching NFL or college teams again. Gruden said, “Yeah, I’m interested in coaching. 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, and that’s the only thing I can guarantee.’

Many teams might be interested in him as he worked as an advisor for the Saints in 2023. In 2024, he joined the Milano Seamen of the European Football League as an advisor. So, he brings a wide range of experience as a Super Bowl-winning coach. Although he isn’t with any team right now in an official position, Gruden still helps teams and players who contact him.

Jon Gruden also has an office, which he purchased back in 2015. However, his interest is not limited to coaching. The Super Bowl-winning coach also started a YouTube channel, ‘Gruden Loves Football,’ where he often gives breakdowns of games and different football techniques.

Once the highest-paid ESPN analyst, Gruden understands the risk that comes with his recruitment. He once had a speaking session at a local event where he admitted his mistake and claimed he was ‘ashamed’ of his mistake. The only way from here is to go forward.