Gruden: 'Awesome' to be back on Raiders sideline

For the first time since 2002, Jon Gruden stood on the sidelines of the Oakland Raiders as the storied franchise's head coach.

The Black Hole greeted its returning star coach with a loud ovation as the $100-million man led Oakland to a 16-10 victory over the Detroit Lions in their preseason opener Friday.

"It was awesome," Gruden said after the game, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. "I mean, I saw some recognizable faces that had got a little bit older, saw some old friends that mean a lot to me. Like I've said all along, it's a great responsibility. The nostalgia's worn off, so we have to do something with the opportunity, but it sure was great to see the Raider fans, and they stayed with us until the end, and I really appreciate it."

Gruden's return almost got off to the perfect start when Marshawn Lynch, looking re-energized by his new head coach, broke through the Lions' defense for a 60-yard touchdown, only for it to be wiped out by a holding penalty on first-rounder Kolton Miller.

"I was really ticked off, though, after (Lynch's run) was called back," said Gruden. "You know, I just got to the stadium, I just called my fourth play."

The 54-year-old's first offseason back in the NFL has been met with mixed reviews, even before a down was played, with many questioning the additions of aging veterans like Jordy Nelson, the selection of Miller, and the handling of superstar pass-rusher Khalil Mack's contract dispute.

But even if it is just the preseason, Gruden is back on the scoreboard as he attempts to live up to the lofty expectations of his second stint in the league and prove his early doubters wrong.