Jay Gruden started his NFL career under the guidance of his elder brother Jon Gruden. Both brothers loved the sport. But unlike Jon, Jay had limited success in the NFL, first as a player and later as a coach. Commanders hired him as the head coach in 2014 but fired him after a 0-5 start to the 2019 season. On January 13, he made an unusual demand as the Rams faced the Vikings in the wildcard playoff game.
Before the game started in the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Jay Gruden tweeted, “So Sean McVay Vs Kevin O’Connell tonight. I hired em both. Bet I don’t get mentioned once. lol!!!!” That’s right. Both head coaches learned the skills under him as the head coach. It has been a crazy journey, and Gruden deserves the credit.
So Sean McVay Vs Kevin O’Connell tonight. I hired em both. Bet I don’t get mentioned once. lol!!!!
— Jay Gruden (@Coach_JayGruden) January 14, 2025
While Sean McVay arrived as an assistant tight ends coach in 2010, Jay Gruden promoted him to offensive coordinator and developed Kirk Cousins. In 2017, he began a legacy as the Rams head coach, winning Super Bowl LVI in 2021 and taking them to playoffs in 6 of 8 seasons till 2024. However, he had a strong chance of winning the Super Bowl in 2018 but lost to Tom Brady’s Patriots.
Kevin O’Connell arrived on McVay’s tail, as the Commanders quarterback coach in 2017. Jay Gruden’s successor, Bill Callahan, promoted him to the offensive coordinator in 2019. After they fired him in 2020, Rams signed him as OC under McVay, clinching the Super Bowl in 2021, and next year, he became the Vikings head coach, leading them to 2 playoffs in 3 years. But on Monday, he couldn’t defeat his senior, losing to the Rams by 27-9.
However, the former Commanders’ head coach asking for his credit made everyone wonder what he’s up to these days. And the historic coach has been without work.
Jay Gruden wants to be the head coach again
After getting fired as the Commanders’ HC, Jay Gruden became the offensive coordinator of the Jaguars. But the team fired him after finishing with their worst season record, 1-15. In 2022, he worked as the offensive consultant for the Rams. But got no stint in any coaching capacity. His last Instagram post was in 2022, in which he mentioned, “I am not done yet! I still have plenty left to offer to NFL organizations. If I have to prove myself by starting in a lesser role, I will do so, but I plan to be a head coach yet again! Just give me a chance and I will prove my value #notdoneyet”
However, luck hasn’t been on his side. His brother is not in the NFL anymore, resigning in 2021 after the controversial emails leaked. His performance as a head coach wasn’t on par. So, unemployed for 4 years, Jay Gruden is working analyst jobs. But his desire to become a head coach stays strong.
In 2024, he signed with Underdog Fantasy, providing his analysis on various games and lineups. He gave a shout-out to Jayden Daniels, who steered Commanders to a last-second win over Buccaneers. The playoffs are on. Expect more crazy news as we approach the Super Bowl.
The post Historic NFL Coach, Unemployed for 4 Years, Demands Credit for Hiring Sean McVay & Kevin O’Connell Before Playoffs appeared first on EssentiallySports.
