Rumors: Could Jon Gruden eventually coach the Philadelphia Eagles?
Everybody slow down for just two seconds please, and let’s talk this out.
Once upon a time a young and hungry assistant coach left Green Bay Packers to become the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. That young man’s name was Jon Gruden. What followed was a football story worthy of one of those sports documentaries we love so much.
It was in Philly that Gruden was discovered by the legendary Al Davis and asked to become the Oakland Raiders head coach. Things went left, and Gruden was traded (yes traded). He’d land with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Tony Dungy‘s replacement. That decision eventually lead them to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII, beating, of all teams, the Philadelphia Eagles along the way.
The desire of some Eagles fans, now following a report that Gruden may be interested in coaching again, is his journey may lead him back to Philadelphia.
Gruden to Philly though?
More from Inside the Iggles
- Eagles captains earn high praise on roster blending veteran leadership, youth
- How former Eagles star Cre’Von LeBlanc helped Renegades upstage Cowboys
- Eagles 2023 schedule: Every WR duo Darius Slay, James Bradberry will battle
- Imagining better names for Jason Kelce’s Good Guy Award
- Bold predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles offense in 2023
Gruden doesn’t boast one of the greatest head coaching records in NFL history. He’s 100-85. That includes a 95-81 regular season record and 5-4 postseason record. He’s still seen as one of the great head coaches in league history, as he should be. He’s an offensive genius. His complex style and playcalling have led to career seasons by Rich Gannon and Brad Johnson, and It’s also led to the frustration and benching of Randall Cunningham.
You may have heard, but the Eagles have a new quarterback in Carson Wentz. The ability to tutor a future NFL great and return to a city where he has some familiarity could be enticing right? He is, after all, familiar with Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie.
Next: Green-Beckham wants to cash in
Oh snap. The Eagles already have a head coach…
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson is set to enter his second season, and some have already placed him on the hot seat. It’s bad enough that his approval rating is fluctuating. The additions the Eagles have made shows this team wants to win now. Gruden isn’t coaching anywhere this season, but if Philadelphia doesn’t reach the playoffs, don’t expect for the criticism of the current head coach to quiet down.
They say the most popular guy around town is the coach everybody wants, and Gruden does cast a very large shadow. Stay tuned.