The Washington Redskins have a new coach. Their former one is still looking for work.
Appearing on the “RapSheet + Friends” podcast with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jay Gruden said he hopes to interview with any team that has a coaching vacancy this offseason. The Redskins fired Gruden in October after an 0-5 start.
“I’m itching to do something,” Gruden said. “I’d like to have an office to go to. That’s the hardest thing. … You definitely miss the camaraderie, the players, all that stuff that you worked with for so long. But you’ve got to get used to it and wait for your next opportunity.”
Gruden spent five-plus seasons with the Redskins, who hired him in 2014. He went 35-49-1 as coach, leading Washington to the playoffs in 2015.
Since being fired, Gruden said he has been watching tape to stay up on trends around the league, playing golf and going on vacations with his family.
Gruden, though, said he was “ready” for his firing.
“I knew it was going to happen,” Gruden said. “There were frustrations, I think, obviously on both sides of the building there. Some changes had to be made, and they made them. I was frustrated with the injuries and the lack of all our best players never playing. … We parted ways and all in good spirits and ready to move on.”
Gruden said he could take a year off if he doesn’t get to be a head coach in 2020. Asked if he would be open to becoming an offensive coordinator again, Gruden said he’d have to “wait and see what’s available.” Before being hired in Washington, Gruden served as the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator.
Rapoport also asked Gruden if he’d be open to coaching with his brother, Jon, who is the Raiders’ coach. Gruden, though, noted there aren’t any positions open on his brother’s staff at the moment.
He didn’t dismiss the idea, however. But he added he’d explore other avenues first.
“You’ve just got to make sure you’re with the right people,” Gruden said. “That’s the most important thing. Whatever opportunity, if it’s a coordinator or a head coach, you’ve gotta make sure you mesh with the people you’re working with. Get the people you think culturally will change the building and have the success you need.”
You can listen to the full interview below, starting around the 13-minute mark:
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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