Stage Set for Jon Gruden's Return to the New "Black Hole"

With the state of the franchise hanging in the balance, the stage has been set for the triumphant return of Jon Gruden. His rhetoric will be missed on Monday Night Football and his face will be welcomed by millions of Raiders who have missed him since the day he left.

It isn't a cry for help, or a move out of desperation. It is a seemingly easy commonsense solution move that would break the Raider mold of making poor personnel decisions and return Gruden to where he belongs—home in Oakland.

His departure rocked the Raider Nation and marked the beginning of the worst losing stretch in Raider history. Many fans felt as if they had lost a father or friend when he left to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Never has a day passed since the day he left that the Raider Nation hasn't missed his face on the sidelines.

His refusal to accept anything less than perfection from his players has spurned criticism from former Buccaneer players who deemed him "difficult to play for". It is exactly that mentality that is needed to turn around this franchise. His exquisite attention to detail and tireless work ethic gave birth to three consecutive AFC West Championships and harmony amongst the now-exhausted Raider faithful.

There is no one else up to the challenging task of rebuilding this once proud franchise. There is no other man that Al Davis can gracefully turn the reins over to. Gruden and Bruce Allen can turn this thing around and it can't happen fast enough.

Who wants to start the petition?

Jon, if you are reading this, please consider looking beyond the past. Please find it within yourself to work for our beloved owner and come home to the millions of people who love you and never wanted you to leave. We will be patient while you rebuild, we promise.