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Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden resigned Monday after racist and homophobic emails from Gruden ranging from 10-12 years ago surfaced.
The news broke the day after the Raiders loss to the Chicago Bears 20-9 at home Sunday, Oct. 10.
What started as a promising season for a team that hasn’t made the postseason since 2016, quickly turned for the worst.
"I have resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders," Gruden said in a statement. "I love the Raiders and do not want to be a distraction. Thank you to all the players, coaches, staff, and fans of Raider Nation. I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt anyone."
Gruden rejoined the Raiders franchise in 2018 after a 10 year coaching hiatus signing a 10 year, $100 million contract.
He led the team to an under-whelming 22-31 record during his time as head coach and also managed the trades of franchise players Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, respectively.
In his last game as head coach for the team, the Raiders failed to respond to last week’s defeat against the LA Chargers, and watched rookie quarterback Justin Fields manipulate the Raiders.
Chicago’s defense responded to Fields’ effort and held Las Vegas to nine points, a season low.
Between numerous penalties and missed opportunities, the offense never got in sync.
Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 206 yards and one interception next to no touchdowns. Carr was continually hurried in the pocket by the former Raider Mack, whose performance was labeled as a revenge game.
Mack got to Carr numerous times and let him know about it as the two visibly exchanged words.
Las Vegas’s defense was gashed in the run game surrendering 143 yards total on the ground.
Chicago managed a dominant run game without starter David Montgomery, who missed the contest with a knee injury.
The Raiders lone touchdown of the game came from a Josh Jacobs one-yard dive.
Las Vegas made it a 14-9 game early in the fourth quarter, but would surrender consecutive field goals and clock-killing drives to Chicago.
The loss is the least of the conversation around the team, as it must find its footing with Gruden’s resignation.
Rich Bisaccia fills in as interim head coach, according to multiple reports.
Following Gruden’s resignation, multiple players took to their former coach’s side, not in defense, but in support, such as tight end Darren Waller.
“I want to offer somebody grace and allow them to learn from what they may have done and that’s what I’m trying to do right now for coach,” Waller told Jesse Merrick of KSNV News 3 Las Vegas.
Defensive end Carl Nassib came out as gay prior to the start of the season. Nassib has since stepped away from the team following the news.
His return is currently up in the air.
Las Vegas sits as 3-2 now following a 3-0 start to the year.
Up next, the team will travel to Denver to take on the 3-2 Broncos Sunday, Oct. 17.