Fansided

Ranking 32 NFL head coaches based on presidential potential

By Cody Williams

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talk prior to the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talk prior to the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden walks onto the field prior to morning walkthrough on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden walks onto the field prior to morning walkthrough on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Jay Gruden – Washington Redskins

The job Jay Gruden has done with the Washington Redskins after just two seasons is pretty remarkable. After going a paltry 4-12 in his first year (2014), Gruden recovered by going 9-7 last year to win the NFC East and make the playoffs. While that may have been a bit misleading, given the injury woes of the Dallas Cowboys, don’t shortchange the decision-making savvy and creative gusto Gruden brought to the table.

Despite it being an incredibly difficult call to make, Gruden decided to roll with Kirk Cousins as the starter heading into last season. While some would argue that the jury’s still out on Cousins’ potential to be “the guy” in Washington, what can’t be argued was that he was the right choice for their team at that time. That kind of foresight and embracing of risk can’t be underestimated, and Gruden’s ability to identify — and then act — in difficult situations speaks volumes about his presidential potential.

Still, how Gruden handled the fallout from the RG3 debacle left much to be desired. While he undoubtedly made the right football decision, how Gruden parsed the discourse in public was easily construed as clumsy and careless. Considering the public demand of a presidency, that limits just how high Gruden realistically can climb among his peers.

Next: No. 14 Adam Gase

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