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Coach Jon Gruden makes return to Oakland Raiders’ sideline vs. Detroit Lions on Friday night

Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden talks with quarterback Derek Carr during NFL football practice Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, in Napa, Calif. Both the Oakland Raiders and the Detroit Lions held a joint practice before their upcoming preseason game on Friday. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

NAPA, Calif. — As much as he tries to downplay the significance, Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden is fully aware Friday’s exhibition game against the Detroit Lions will be anything but an ordinary preseason contest.

It’s been 17 years since Gruden last roamed the sidelines at the Coliseum with the Raiders. He came back in 2004 with Tampa Bay and again in 2012 as a television analyst.

Gruden’s iconic status among Raiders fans promises to make this time different. Much, much different.

“I am looking forward to it,” Gruden said Wednesday after the second of two joint practices with the Lions. “I’m looking forward to it big-time. I’ve got some things obviously I’ve got to work out. So I’ve got to work myself through calling plays again and managing some tough situations. I’m anxious to see if I can do it.”

Gruden developed a cult-like following during his first stint as the Raiders coach from 1998-2001. Those feelings didn’t wane when Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay by late owner Al Davis and only strengthened when the coach went into the television booth.

Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden speaks to reporters after practice in Napa, Calif., on Aug. 1. (AP photo)

Gruden showed his appreciation in 2009 while in town to broadcast a San Francisco 49ers game when he held a party at Ricky’s, a Raiders sports bar not far from the Coliseum.

Gruden held another party at Ricky’s three weeks ago to celebrate his return and paid for dinner and soft drinks for the fans. About 600 people showed up.

“It’s an honor to be here and it’s a great story, but I also just want to do everything I can in order to try and help this team win again,” Gruden said. “I love the Raider fans. I love Oakland and that’s the primary reason I’m standing here.”

Lions coach Matt Patricia developed a friendship with Gruden while he was defensive coordinator in New England.

Gruden’s return, Patricia said, is good for the NFL.

“If you meet with him, you’re gonna find a guy that absolutely loves football from its core, all the way out, every aspect of it,” Patricia said.

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