ASHBURN — There’s an increasing likelihood that ESPN’s Jon Gruden will leave the broadcast booth and return to coaching.
Gruden is reportedly the front-runner to rejoin the Oakland Raiders, and Gruden told Bay Area News Group that he hoped to be a candidate for the position. Gruden hasn’t coached since 2008 after being fired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he thinks his older brother would “fare quite well” if he returns.
“He is already a very good broadcaster, but I think he would be an excellent coach,” Jay Gruden said. “It’s in his blood and if he chooses to go that route, I wish him all the best. Welcome back if he does, if not, he is a great commentator. So we will see.”
Jon Gruden previously coached the Raiders from 1998-2001, leaving with a 38-26 record. The following season, he was traded to the Buccaneers and won the Super Bowl the following season (fittingly against the Raiders).
Jon Gruden, however, has been with ESPN since 2009, primarily being the color analyst during “Monday Night Football.”
According to The Athletic, Jon Gruden is interested in hiring Redskins offensive line coach Bill Callahan on his staff. The two coached together in Oakland and Callahan succeeded Gruden when he left. Callahan has been with the Redskins since 2015.
“I believe Bill is under contract here, so he can’t go,” Jay Gruden said, laughing.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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