Gruden feeling the heat?

“I know there is a big bull’s-eye on my chest, certainly. If the people want to use that as an incentive, then so be it. I worked for Al Davis in 1998. That was pressure. I was 34 years old. I’ve dealt with pressure before. I don’t really feel pressure. I love the excitement and thrill of competing, and I can’t worry about things I can’t control in that regard. I know people will want to step on me and beat me, and that is just the way this league is.”

That was Jon Gruden on the day of the formal announcement of his return to the coaching ranks three years ago. Back then, everything was rosy in Raider Nation. Chucky had come home and was greeted with a lovefest, from owner Mark Davis to long-time employees who were around for Gruden’s first ride with the silver and black.

Even members of the media in the Bay Area were smitten, caught up in the moment like so many fans.

Fast forward to 2021 and the situation has changed drastically.

While the Raiders have made incremental steps of progress under Gruden, it hasn’t come nearly as fast or been enough of an improvement that most expected.

Davis has privately fumed at the man he tried to lure back into coaching for years before lavishing Gruden with a $100 million, 10-year contract. The Raiders owner isn’t yet ready to make a change and might not be for another year or two, but it’s obvious that he no longer is looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses.