Former Washington Commanders head coach Jay Gruden is back in the NFL with a new role. Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay hired Gruden as a consultant, according to The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue. Gruden worked with the team this week during their joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals. But, he will “largely” work remotely.
Gruden and McVay have a longstanding relationship. The two were offensive assistants on the 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff under Jay’s brother, Jon Gruden. The following year, Jay became the offensive coordinator of the Florida Tuskers of the defunct United Football League. McVay became the Tuskers’ wide receiver coach. They worked together for one season.
The two reunited in 2014 in Washington. After being named the Commanders head coach, Gruden moved McVay to offensive coordinator. McVay had been Washington’s tight end coach the previous three seasons.
They worked together until McVay was hired by the Rams to be their head coach in 2017.
Washington fired Gruden after five games during the 2019 season. He compiled a record of 35-49-1 during his six seasons. However, he had back-to-back winning seasons in 2015-2016, his second and third as Washington’s head coach. That included a NFC East division title in 2015. Coincidentally, the team hasn’t had a winning season since.
Gruden landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as their offensive coordinator in 2020. After a 1-15 record, he was let go along with head coach Doug Marrone.
Gruden is now attached with McVay once again. This time, he’ll work under his protégé, potentially to get back on track in hopes of getting another head-coaching job.
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