Jay Gruden is “itching” to coach again and according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the former Washington Redskins head coach will interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator position.
Gruden coached the Redskins for six seasons, getting fired after a 0-5 start to the 2019 season.
Gruden’s head coaching techniques were criticized from his lack of accountability and lack of preparation stemming from passive practices. However, before he became the Redskins head coach in 2014, Gruden made his name for being an offensive coordinator.
Jay Gruden was the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2011-2013 under head coach Marvin Lewis. In three seasons, the Bengals made the postseason all three seasons.In Cincinnati, Gruden had Andy Dalton at quarterback and AJ Green at wide receiver.
Jacksonville has been stagnant after making the 2018 AFC Championship Game thanks in large due to the struggles of its offense the past two seasons.
The Jaguars have building blocks and personnel that would fit Gruden’s style of offense. Gardner Minshew came on the scene as a rookie, outperforming Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles at quarterback. Running back Leonard Fournette has developed into an every-down back, who led the team with 76 receptions in 2019.
Then there is a young and building wide receiver core led by DJ Chark, who broke out with a team-high 1,008 receiving yards and eight touchdown receptions. Dede Westbrook added 66 catches and 660 yards and veteran Chris Conley had a career-high 775 yards and five touchdown receptions.
Former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo and former Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan have reportedly interviewed for the Jaguars’ opening as well.
