Jon Gruden made a career change on Thursday as he joined Barstool Sports. This move has already led to the Super Bowl-winning coach breaking a decades-old tradition.
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Gruden tried iced coffee for the first time in his life.
The conversation started with Dave Portnoy simply pointing out that Gruden has never drank a beverage enjoyed by millions around the world.
"Never had it. I'm gonna try it," Gruden responded. "I just drink it hot. I've had the same routine for the last 40 years, but I'm going to try it.
"...Like, I go to Starbucks, and I stand in line. I just wish they had a pot for guys like me to get my coffee. Guys like you get the iced coffees and the lattes, it's like, no."
1st day on the job. Tried iced coffee for the 1st time. pic.twitter.com/KSMAVIR90k
— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) November 14, 2024
True to his word, Gruden did try iced coffee for the first time. He took a sip and stood silently for several moments. He then shared his thoughts.
"It's a totally different vibe," he said before going back for another sip.
Gruden has only been in the building for one day, but he has wasted no time. He started by conducting evaluations of the Barstool Sports "talent." He quizzed them on NFL plays, tested their vertical, and tried to determine how they would prevent TJ Watt from getting to the quarterback.
The majority failed. However, one individual made it through the rigorous testing process after attempting the defensive back W drill used during the NFL Scouting Combine. It didn't even matter that he had to pull his pants up after the test.
The first day on the job culminated with a watch party. Gruden joined his new coworkers in front of the TV as the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. He provided insight into the matchup and the players that shine for each team.
Part of this conversation revolved around running back Brian Robinson Jr., who returned to the lineup after missing two games.
"Robinson is a difference-maker," Gruden said after the Commanders took a 7-0 lead.
The former head coach also shared stories from his decades on the NFL sidelines. He talked about the Eagles fans comparing his IQ to a houseplant after a loss in the playoffs, and he told a story about yelling at an analytics person after a failed fourth-down conversion.
