Bengals Offensive Success Could Be Jay Gruden's Ticket To Become A Head Coach Sooner Rather Than Later

by Josh Kirkendall on Nov 21, 2011 2:00 PM EST

When discussing candidates for open head coaching positions that will likely open after this season, Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports threw Jay Gruden's name into the pool, largely citing Andy Dalton's development and the overall re-tasking of Cincinnati's offense. The concept of Cole's candidates appeared largely to establish a comprehensive list of assistant coaches, many of whom probably have a slim chance of generating any interest. However Cole isn't the only one thinking that Gruden's stay in Cincinnati might be a short one.

Dan Pompei of the National Football Post, who writes an excellent weekly article, believes much like Jason Cole that Gruden's development with Dalton (and Cincinnati's overall offensive turnaround), could generate a lot of interest with teams that will feature an open head coaching position.

Jay Gruden might not be long for Cincinnati. His brother Jon may be off limits to teams seeking a head coach, but Jay may be the next best thing. Jay was Jon’s right hand man during Jon’s Super Bowl season with the Bucs. Jay also is being credited with helping to turn around the Bengals this year. The offensive coordinator convinced team ownership to select Andy Dalton instead of Ryan Mallett in the draft, and his development of Dalton has been stunning. Jay also has head coaching experience, having led the Arena League’s Orlando Predators to a 93-61 record and two league championships over nine seasons.

Conceptually I believe Gruden's chances as a candidate would be slim, if for anything his limited experience as being one of the top coaches in the NFL. Granted, he was his brother's assistant in Tampa Bay, as well as a successful Arena Football League head coach. But we're fairly certain that teams would want a greater sample of Gruden's ability as a top-level coach (not named a head coach) in the NFL before taking a series interest in the offensive coordinator.

That being said, can anyone disagree that Gruden wasn't one of the best hires this offseason?

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Dan Hoard had a interview with Jay Gruden and this is the body of it.His response answers Josh`s question

You might have also read this recent story in the Orlando Sentinel that makes the case that the Miami Dolphins or Jacksonville Jaguars should hire Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden to be their new head coach. I asked Jay for his reaction to the article.
"I’ve told people this and they probably think that I’m lying, but I’ve never really looked beyond where I’m at right now," Coach Gruden said. "I’m happy where I am and my only focus is to put these guys into position to make plays. Whatever happens 5, 6, 10 years down the road happens, and there’s no way that I’m ready to be a head coach right now. He’s been an Orlando writer for a long time and it was a nice article, but it’s very, very far-fetched.
"This is a fun group to coach and I’m not looking to go anywhere else. It’s not very often that you get a guy to work with like Andy Dalton and a receiver to work with like A.J. Green. We have a good, young offensive line that’s playing pretty well together and the sky is the limit for this team. Down the road – maybe – but right now, I’m definitely looking forward to watching these guys grow up as players and as men."

by cbraines1976 on Nov 21, 2011 2:48 PM EST reply actions

wow sounds like a keeper

by Tampa_Bengal on Nov 21, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions

First our DC, now our OC

Nobody wants the Bengals to have good coaches.

by Oregonbengalsfan on Nov 21, 2011 3:22 PM EST reply actions

Jay

We love you so
I want you to know
That I’m going to miss your game
The minute you walk out that door
(Chorus)
So please don’t go
Don’t go
Don’t go away
Please don’t go
Don’t go
I’m begging you to stay

If you leave
At least in my lifetime
I’ve had one dream come true
I was blessed to have an game called
By someone as wonderful as you
So please don’t go
Don’t go
Don’t go away
Please don’t go
Don’t go

by supergrover on Nov 21, 2011 3:36 PM EST reply actions

that pic...

he looks like some actor, but I can’t place who. I googled “actor” but it wasn’t helpful.

by supergrover on Nov 21, 2011 3:37 PM EST reply actions

A young Gary Busey?

CincyJungle Contributor
Follow me on Twitter: @CUIBengalsFan

by Anthony Cosenza on Nov 21, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

That would be really surprising if Gruden was hired away after his lone season here

While he’s been good with the development of Green and Dalton, I still don’t think he’s done quite enough in ONE season with the Bengals as their OC to warrant an NFL head coaching gig. After yesterday’s game, they’re still only ranked at No.18 overall (17th passing, 18th rushing) and that’s not exactly lighting the world on fire.

I like what he’s done this year a lot, but I’d be surprised if he got a head coaching gig after just one year of Coordinating experience. Zimmer would be a more likely candidate and I don’t know if I see that happening either.

CincyJungle Contributor
Follow me on Twitter: @CUIBengalsFan

by Anthony Cosenza on Nov 21, 2011 3:41 PM EST reply actions