After drifting apart for years due to the fallout of his email scandal, it seems as though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden are both doing everything in their power to reconcile their differences.
Gruden was removed from the Bucs Ring of Honor due to the fallout from the email controversy that ultimately forced his resignation as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Gruden used racially insensitive language to describe NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith and anti-gay language to describe former Rams defensive end Michael Sam.
Gruden has since had that penalty overturned, as the Buccaneers announced they have reversed that decision and will officially reinstate him into Tampa Bay's Ring of Honor. In an indirect way, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin may be responsible for this.
Gruden's path to reconciliation in this area began at the celebration of life for Monte Kiffin, who served as defensive coordinator for Gruden during his Super Bowl year. The younger Kiffin, Monte's son, told a very inspiring story about his father, specifically about how he was willing to give people second chances.
This caused a thaw in the icy relationship between Gruden and the Glazer family, as he even attended a game last year while sitting in the owner's suite. As far as fans can tell, it seems like Gruden is back in the good graces of the organization he had the most success with.
Lane Kiffin helped Jon Gruden get reinstated into Buccaneers Ring of Honor
Gruden went 57-55 as Bucs head coach. While the end of his tenure was marred by a lack of playoff success, the fact he was the first coach to take a woebegone franchise and turn them into champions will make him a name that Bucs fans will never forget.
Gruden's recent media tour has gone quite a way towards rehabilitating his image. While he was not considered a leading candidate for any of the head coach vacancies this offseason, there were some reports that hinted that teams across the NFL were doing their homework on Gruden. If he wants to make a return, there could be some interest there.
Irrespective of the personal troubles and controversies Gruden has had, it is impossible to tell the story of the Buccaneers as a franchise without mentioning him. No one will ever be proud of what he said in those emails, but the Super Bowl win is very much woven into the Gruden tapestry.