With Jay Gruden out in Washington, is a role with the Raiders his next step? – Silver And Black Pride, Silverandblackpride.com

  

After compiling a 35 – 49 – 1 record as head coach of theWashington Redskins, Jay Gruden was relieved of his duties as head coach following an 0-5 start to the season on Monday morning at 5 AM Funnily enough, it appears that Dan Snyder was punishing him extra by making the meeting so early in the morning.

Gruden was a good bet to be the first coach fired this season, as the Redskins currently sit amongst theMiami DolphinsandCincinnati Bengals(two teams with first-year head coaches) in the league’s basement. And it marks a major fall from grace for a team that was 6-3 and sitting at first place in the NFC East last year beforeAlex Smithwent down with a spiral fracture in his right leg.

Though he obviously was unhappy with his firing, Gruden understood the reasoning behind it.

Per Les Carpenter of the Washington Post, Gruden said:

“I’m not bitter. This is a production-based business and I didnt get it done… I just wish I could have had all of our offensive players. We never got to flex our offensive muscle. ”

Prior to his final matchup, a 33 – 7 drubbing at the hands of theNew England Patriots, Pats’ head coach Bill Belichick feigned praise on Gruden’s offense.

“It’s a very well-balanced offense,” Belichick said. “Very well designed.”

Not very well executed, though, considering the ‘Skins sit at No. 30 in total offense currently.

The logical next step for Gruden? Teaming up with his older brother Jon, of course. After all, they’ve reached their greatest heights together. Although, they don’t have the fire power that they once had.

When theRaiderstraded Jon was to theBuccaneersprior to the 2002 season, he hired Jay as an Offensive Assistant behind Offensive Coordinator and longtime Offensive Line coach Bill Muir.

The Grudens turnedBrad Johnsoninto aSuper Bowlwinning quarterback, with an offense powered byKeyshawn JohnsonandMike Alstott(though the defense was really the key to their Super Bowl win). Upon their arrival in western Florida, Jon swung trades for receiverKeenan McCardelland running backMichael Pittmanto add to their arsenal. Just a bit different than his recent trades forTrevor DavisandZay Jones.

That was so long ago, in fact, that Pittman’s son, Michael Pittman Jr ., will likely be drafted into the NFL this coming April.

The Bucs went on to make the playoffs in three of the next six seasons , before Jon was fired and began a life of Gruden’s QB camps and Corona commercials. After coaching in the now defunct United Football League, Jay took the job as offensive coordinator for the Bengals, where he worked from 2011 through 2013 alongside current Raiders’ defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.

Although they have different personalities, with Jon acting as the serious brother and Jay as the loose, playful one, Redskins’ Running Backs coach Randy Jordan told NBC’s JP Finlay thathe can close his eyes during team meetings and hear the elder brother’s voice.

Imagine having two Grudens telling you to knock on wood if you ‘re with them?

It’s highly unlikely that Jon would fire current Raiders’ Offensive Coordinator Gre Olson to replace him with Jay, especially with the Raiders feeling sublime after beating theBearsin London to start the season 3-2. However, the younger Gruden would be perfect for a low-profile role as an offensive assistant, passing game coordinator,

or advisor to the team, where he could bring a creative element to the Raiders’ West Coast offense. He could even step into a role as Assistant Head Coach, a title that Belichick once held under Bill Parcells with the Patriots andJets.

The world has seen two Grudens on an NFL staff before, but if Jay were to team up in Oakland, he’d be joining his brother and nephew, Deuce Gruden, to form a Gruden triumvirate the likes of which we’ve never seen. Just think of all the cool anecdotes, man.