The ever-colorful Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is at it again, stirring up the NFL rumor pot with his signature style. When asked about Jon Gruden possibly making a comeback to the NFL sidelines, Jones did what he does best – gave us the ol’ razzle-dazzle, dancing around the question while dropping just enough hints to keep everyone guessing. It’s like watching a master chef sprinkle just the right amount of seasoning to keep everyone coming back for more. Classic Jerry, always keeping us on our toes!

The Cowboys owner was asked about Gruden’s potential return to the NFL through the Cowboys locker room on 105.3 The Fan. And this was his reaction. “I just don’t have any comment there at all. Jon is a friend, and let’s leave it at that.” A harmless statement? Not quite. This cryptic remark has sparked a frenzy of speculation. Is Gruden going to replace Mike McCarthy and clinch the HC position?

McCarthy’s tenure with Dallas hasn’t gone smooth off late. His future now hangs in the balance. Why? For starters, Mike’s contract is expiring on January 14. And he carries a disappointing 2024 season behind him. The Cowboys managed only a 7-9 record this season and fell short of playoff expectations after injuries to stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Meanwhile, Jerry Jones hasn’t committed to McCarthy’s return.

Now, Jones’s refusal to deny Gruden rumors outright adds fuel to the fire. The timing also seems impeccable. Especially since NFL insiders like Tom Pelissero suggest teams are “doing homework” on Gruden for head coaching roles. However, Gruden has been linked to Dallas before.

His larger-than-life persona seems tailor-made for the Cowboys’ spotlight. But Jones’s decision will hinge on more than just buzz, as it always does. The team’s Super Bowl aspirations demand a coach who can deliver immediate results. Would Gruden be a redemption story or a risky gamble for the Cowboys? For Jones, whose moves often prioritize spectacle, it could be both.

Jon Gruden: A risk worth taking?

Gruden’s coaching history is polarizing. His 117-112 record and a Super Bowl win with the Buccaneers highlight his upside. However, his controversial exit from the Raiders in 2021 casts a long shadow. Resigning amid leaked emails containing offensive language, Gruden has spent the last few years outside the NFL. As he focused on rebuilding his image through media appearances and consulting gigs.

Gruden’s stint with the Raiders ended with a 22-31 record, far from impressive. And yet, his Super Bowl-winning pedigree offers undeniable appeal. For a franchise like Dallas, star power often trumps logic. But does Dallas want to gamble on a coach with baggage? Especially keeping in mind, McCarthy has delivered three consecutive 12-win seasons before 2024.

On the cusp of greatness but unable to break through, that’s been the Cowboys’ predicament. And it feels like the kind of challenge Gruden would relish. Jones’ calculated ambiguity fuels the intrigue. By neither confirming nor denying interest in Gruden, he keeps all options open while stoking excitement among fans and media alike.

The real question is whether Gruden’s past would overshadow his potential future. If Jones pulls the trigger, it will either be a masterstroke or a misstep Cowboys fans won’t soon forget.