Stephen A. Smith eyes controversial Super Bowl-winning HC for Giants head coaching vacancy

Stephen A. Smith thinks the New York Giants should turn to one of the NFL's most polarizing former coaches: Jon Gruden. During Friday's episode of his SiriusXM radio show, Smith argued that despite Gruden's past “gross” email scandal, former Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers The coach deserves another shot and should be considered for the Giants head coaching job.

“We have to ask ourselves, in the land of second chances, in America, and the people who have been given second chances … Jon Gruden has been a football man forever,” Smith said.

Acknowledging Gruden's offensive emails that surfaced in 2021, he added:

“Words hurt, and I shouldn't have emailed those words, and that's okay. Is a death sentence warranted?”

Stephen A. Smith noted that Gruden's fallout stemmed from leaked messages during the NFL's investigation into former Washington executive Bruce Allen. Those emails included racist comments about NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith, homophobic slurs and inappropriate exchanges with Washington cheerleaders.

Gruden resigned in 2021 and has since been involved in a lengthy legal battle with the league. He resurfaced in 2024 through a YouTube channel and later joined Barstool Sports.

Despite the controversy, Smith pointed to Gruden's coaching results. During his second stage with the RaidersGruden went from 4-12 to 8-8 before starting 3-2 in 2021.

“We know he wouldn't have gone as an NFL coach if that hadn't happened,” Smith said.

While stressing that Gruden “should be ashamed of himself,” Stephen A. Smith argued that responsibility and opportunity can coexist.

“We know about his transgressions. But is he in prison? Does he deserve a death sentence for what happened?”

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Stephen A. Smith addresses his political commentary

Speaking on Friday's episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Smith addressed a person who asked if his political views could affect his ESPN ratings. Smith, who hosts “First Take” on ESPN, said he clearly separates his roles.

“I'm not worried because, first of all, it's politics, not sports,” Smith said. “Secondly, I'm not taking it to ESPN.”

Smith emphasized that his approach is based on openness.

“I'm a reasonable human being,” Smith said. “I'm letting you know how I feel… based on the facts I've presented. But I'm open to being corrected.”

“I'm not one of those stubborn, rabid ideologues who are stuck in a position,” he added. “If I'm wrong, I'll say I'm wrong. If I'm corrected, I'll say I'm corrected. And if I'm right, I don't budge.”

Smith signed a five-year, $100 million deal with ESPN in March 2025, granting him freedom beyond his role for the network.