Report: Jaguars to interview Jay Gruden for vacant OC position

The Jaguars and head coach Doug Marrone are still searching for a replacement offensive coordinator after mutually parting ways with John DeFilippo earlier in the week. According to a report form NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Jaguars will be interviewing former Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden for the position.

This comes just a few days after the team interviewed former New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo and long-time offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, for the offensive coordinator job and an undisclosed position on the offensive staff, respectively.

Gruden was never able to have major success as the head coach in Washington after taking over for the team in 2014, netting an at-most 9-7 record over a little more than five seasons. After starting out 0-5, and faced with a toxic environment in the Washington front office, Gruden was fired in 2019.

Deploying a west-coast style offense, Gruden would be an intriguing addition to the Jaguars coaching staff, able to provide quarterback Gardner Minshew II with enough balance and a quick passing game which the young quarterback thrives in. Gruden is also more likely to call play action passes in his offense which is another area Minshew II showed success, but rarely had the opportunity to do in 2019.

In his most successful head-coaching season, 2016, Gruden had the Redskins offensive humming, ranking ninth in total offense, 12th in points, and second in passing offense. Prior to becoming the head coach in Washington, Gruden was a successful offensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals, ranking 10th in total offense in 2013, his final year as offensive coordinator.

Gruden was able to get competent play out of quarterback then-young quarterback Andy Dalton over his three seasons with the Bengals.

The Jaguars are doing their due diligence and it is not yet known when they will be hiring an offensive coordinator.