Why Did Jon Gruden Resign As Las Vegas Raiders Coach?

Jon Gruden, the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, has resigned, the Raiders said Monday. The news came after a New York Times investigation alleged that while serving as an ESPN analyst, Gruden had sent a series of inflammatory emails.

Gruden said in a statement tweeted by the Raiders. “I have resigned as Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. 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.”

Team owner Mark Davis issued a follow-up statement on Twitter, saying he has accepted Gruden’s departure. The Raiders announced that assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia will take over as temporary head coach.

Bisaccia was a member of Gruden’s coaching staff in Tampa Bay and has remained with the Raiders coaching staff throughout Gruden’s second tenure with the franchise. At the time of his departure, Gruden was in the fourth year of a 10-year contract with the franchise.

According to the New York Times, league investigators investigating workplace wrongdoing, which did not include Gruden, discovered emails in which he disparaged women referees, LGBT NFL players, and players who protested during the national anthem.