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With the season headed to a disappointing end without a trip to the playoffs, the Washington Redskins will enter arguably its more pivotal off-season in recent years. The list of items to address will start with paying (or not) quarterback Kirk Cousins. It also may involve what to do at head coach. No coach has lasted past 64 regular season games under owner Dan Snyder, and following Week 17, Gruden would have coached 64 games.
With the team missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, there is some thought Washington could opt to make a change. If Snyder and his front office chooses to part ways with Gruden, the Cincinnati Bengals will be interested in hiring its former offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Grumors on @NFLGameDay: Jon Gruden is reaching out to possible assistants as many wonder if this year is different, while Jay Gruden is a top target for the #Bengals — if available. pic.twitter.com/ZVvniD5nvr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2017
The Bengals are expected to part ways with longtime head coach Marvin Lewis at the end of the season after missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Meanwhile, Gruden served as the Bengals’ offensive coordinator for three seasons from 2011 to 2013. He is credited for the development of quarterback Andy Dalton.
While Washington has dropped off some the last two seasons, Gruden is credited with changing the culture of the franchise and the locker room. He led the Redskins to its first back-to-back winning seasons in 2015-16 since 1991-92, If, the Redskins win their final two games, they would have reached .500 or better in three consecutive seasons for the first time since 1999-2001.
