After an unceremonious departure from the NFL in 2021, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is reportedly helping the New Orleans Saints. According to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com, Gruden spent time with Saints quarterback Derek Carr and the offensive coaching staff at the team’s facility.
What Happened to Jon Gruden?
Gruden has had quite the fall from grace in recent years, which ultimately ended in him being forced to resign as head coach of the Raiders in 2021. While Gruden has a well-documented history of being a talented offensive mind and Super Bowl-winning head coach, it’s fair to question if he deserves another chance in the NFL.
Despite his accolades in both the NFL and as a member of the media, Gruden ruined his reputation when emails that included racist and homophobic remarks surfaced that were sent between 2011 and 2018.
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Unfortunately, in the world of sports, opportunities will still present themselves if a player or coach is deemed talented enough to warrant another chance.
Apparently, the Saints are the team that is ready to give Gruden another chance. While he doesn’t have an official title with the Saints, it’s clear that New Orleans values Gruden as an offensive mind and his experience working with Carr from their days together with the Raiders. But is this the right move for the Saints to make?
Are the Saints Making a Mistake by Talking to Jon Gruden?
There’s an old saying that says time heals all wounds … but that likely isn’t the case with Gruden. What was said by the former NFL head coach in those leaked emails was tough to read, and it’s fair to wonder if people will ever forgive Gruden.
Yet, the Saints are apparently willing to live with the repercussions of asking Gruden for help as they install their offensive scheme with Carr as their starting quarterback.
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Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com mentioned that the team hosted Gruden this week to pick his brain:
“To facilitate the transition, the Saints signed two of Carr’s old Raiders targets in free agency: wide receiver Bryan Edwards and tight end Foster Moreau. The club also brought in Gruden this week to pick his brain about the offensive transition. The longtime head coach spent much of his time at the Saints facility with Carr and the offensive coaching staff as they orchestrated the early stages of the offensive installation.”
It’s fair to wonder if the Saints even wanted it known publicly that they allowed Gruden in their team facility. Obviously, this will raise questions about Saints head coach Dennis Allen and the confidence that he has in his current offensive coaching staff. There are also questions about Gruden’s past and the meaning behind those emails.
While the Saints likely just wanted some input from Gruden due to his experience with Carr, it’s not an ideal look for the organization. As they transition into a new era with Carr at quarterback, New Orleans should look to avoid any issues, such as the idea of working with a controversial former head coach.
