Jay Gruden spent almost six full seasons as Washington’s head coach beginning in 2014 until he was fired five games into the 2019 season. Gruden was the rare coach under owner Daniel Snyder to sign a second contract, signifying some success.
After being fired in D.C., Gruden spent the 2020 season as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately for Gruden, he joined a coaching staff that was already on the hot seat, thus he lasted just one year in Jacksonville despite achieving some success with little talent.
Gruden sat out the 2021 season after auditioning for some television gigs. While Gruden didn’t work in TV this past season, he did have a weekly spot on Washington’s Team 980 where he talked about his former team and the entire NFL.
Could Gruden be back in the NFL in 2022? According to Matt Zenitz of on3, Gruden interviewed with the New Orleans Saints for their vacant offensive coordinator position under new head coach Dennis Allen Tuesday. It’s Gruden’s second interview this offseason after speaking to the Carolina Panthers about their offensive coordinator position last month. Somehow, Carolina selected Ben McAdoo over Gruden.
Sadly for Gruden, he came up short again, as the Saints chose to keep former offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Carmichael, who was hired by the Saints in 2006 when former head coach Sean Payton first arrived in New Orleans, has been the Saints’ OC since 2009. However, it was Payton’s offense. Now, Carmichael will call plays and have the opportunity to install his own style of offense.
Important news for the #Saints: Pete Carmichael will stay as the offensive coordinator, source said. The team did several OC interviews, but came back to the best option being on their staff. More continuity in NO for coach Dennis Allen.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 17, 2022
With most coaching vacancies filled this cycle, it looks like the former Washington coach may have to wait until 2023. It’s a shame as Gruden is an outstanding offensive mind and deserves an opportunity to lead an NFL offense again.
Meanwhile, he’s pretty good at the analysis thing.
