Patrick Mahomes Gives First Comments on Jon Gruden Being at Chiefs Camp

It's incredibly normal for NFL coaches to bring in some special guests to help with training camp. A team could have the greatest head coach in the country, however, there usually isn't any harm in bringing in an outside perspective who might be able to offer some tips or play calls that the staff never thought of.

Unfortunately, the Kansas City Chiefs' latest training camp guest has caused a stir across the fanbase. Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden — who's the perfect example of how not to act as a human being — has been hanging around the practice field, leaving Chiefs Kingdom to count down the days until he finally leaves.

While head coach Andy Reid (unsurprisingly) supported Gruden's presence, fans began to wonder how quarterback Patrick Mahomes felt about the situation. On Wednesday, the superstar signal-caller finally voiced his opinion.

Chiefs News: Mahomes Enjoying Gruden Training Camp Visit

Following the latest camp sessions, Mahomes addressed Gruden's presence with reporters. The two-time NFL MVP admitted that the football historian in him finds it cool when "older coaches" like Reid (66) and Gruden (60) talk about "old school" players, per Chiefs insider PJ Green.

Mahomes' compliments toward the controversial coach didn't end there. He even went as far as praising Gruden for his "offensive mind," which helped play a role in developing arms like Brett Favre.

Naturally, Gruden's presence prompted the Kansas City media to question HC Reid about if the former could potentially join his staff. Fortunately, for any worried Chiefs fans, that doesn't seem to be in the cards at the moment.

"[Gruden] He advises a lot of people so he’s staying busy," Reid told reporters after practice. "I think he’s just gonna keep doing that. Hopefully, he’s able to get back in and get a head coaching job."

As KC Kingdom's Joe Summers pointed out, there's nothing inherently wrong with two old friends — Reid and Gruden — catching up and tackling about the old days. The duo worked together as Green Bay Packers coordinators in the 1990s and have 40 years of head coaching experience between them.

The situation only becomes a major problem if the ex-Raiders HC overstays his welcome, which could be the case given that Reid also revealed that the former has been spending a lot of time sitting in on team meetings.

"[Gruden is] a phenomenal football coach. He touched everybody here, both sides of the ball, special teams, he got to sit down in those meetings."

- Andy Reid on Jon Gruden

Even if you can see past Gruden's controversies (you shouldn't), labeling him as a "phenomenal football coach" might be a stretch. Although he did coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2002, he's only gone 67-82 with just three playoff appearances (and an 0-3 record) in his 10 subsequent seasons as a head coach.

Since resigning from the Raiders in 2021, Gruden spent 2023 as a New Orleans Saints consultant. He was then hired earlier this year as an advisor for the European League of Football's Milano Seamen. The 2024 ELF season ends in September, though, leaving time to tell if Gruden attempts an NFL comeback when it's over.

For now, it's clear that the Chiefs don't need Gruden's influence to help pursue another championship. After all, Patrick Mahomes & Co. are currently DraftKings Sportsbook's Super Bowl LIX favorite (+500) as the NFL preseason continues.

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