Jon Gruden Says Khalil Mack “Didn’t Want to Be Here”

Mack said in November of last year that he wanted to be a Raider for life.

Sep 10, 2018, 12:00 AM Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:34 am

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by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter

Just hours before their 2018 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, new Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said that former Raiders linebacker, and 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, Khalil Mack wasn’t interested in playing for the Silver and Black.

"Obviously, Khalil Mack didn't want to be here."

– Jon Gruden pic.twitter.com/t1NQzF5bVo

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 10, 2018

Gruden, who signed a 10-year, $100 million contract to coach the Raiders, facilitated the trade of Mack to the Chicago Bears after Mack failed to report to training camp or preseason. Mack was holding out for a new contract, entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Less than a year ago, in November, Mack made a verbal commitment, claiming he wanted to be a Raider for life. “Of course. That’s not even a question,” Mack told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Fallon Smith, “That’s a no-brainer for me, especially when you think about coming into this organization and try to build something special, that’s something you want to be a part of for a lifetime”.

In his debut with the Bears on Sunday, against the Green Bay Packers, Mack looked dominate. After Chicago signed him to a record six-year, $141 million deal, Mack recorded two sacks, a forced fumble, fumble recovery, interception, and defensive touchdown all in the first half against Green Bay. He is the first to do so since 1982.

KHALIL MACK PICK-6! 🚨

Madness. 😱😱😱 #CHIvsGB #DaBears

📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/8xeUcitWie

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2018

If there wasn’t a massive spotlight on Gruden’s return to coaching Monday night, there certainly is now after his comments. Mack has already proven, in just one half, that he was worth the massive contract.

Is Gruden worth it?