The Jacksonville Jaguars have almost reached a full week without an offensive coordinator but that’s not to say they haven’t been working hard to hire someone for the job. Earlier in the week they interviewed former New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo for the opening and also interviewed former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan potentially for the vacancy or an assistant role. Now, fans can officially add a third name to that list.
Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, former Redskins head coach Jay Gruden will interview for the offensive coordinator opening, too.
#Jaguars will interview Jay Gruden for their vacant offensive coordinator job, sources says. Gruden recently told @RapSheet he’s “itching to do something” and would “like to have an office to go to.” Perhaps it’ll be in Jacksonville.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 19, 2020
Gruden, 52, is a coach with a lot of ties to the state of Florida. He attended high school in Tampa, played for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena League as well as the Orlando Predators. Afterward, he eventually became a head coach for the Predators (1998-2001, 2004-08) where he won two ArenaBowls and was an assistant for the Tampa Bay Bucs under his brother Jon Gruden (2002-08).
Prior to becoming the Redskins’ head coach in his last stop (2014-19), he was the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals where he helped aid quarterback Andy Dalton to three straight wild-card playoff appearances (2011-13).
Many fans have been on record for saying they would like Gruden due to the work he’s put together with young quarterbacks like Gardner Minshew II. It also appears Gruden would be a good scheme fit as his west coast offense is one that could take advantage of Minshew’s strengths with the quick passing game.