Fansided

Jon Gruden is a brilliant hire for the Raiders, and here’s why

By Thomas Wheaton

5 Nov 2001: Jon Gruden head coach of the Oakland Raiders shouts on the sideline in their game versus the Denver Broncos at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 38-28. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport
5 Nov 2001: Jon Gruden head coach of the Oakland Raiders shouts on the sideline in their game versus the Denver Broncos at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 38-28. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport /
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With all of the signs pointing to a Jon Gruden reunion in Oakland, let’s take a look at why it is a good idea.

After being blown out in Week 17 by the Los Angeles Chargers, the Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis fired head coach Jack Del Rio on his way to the postgame press conference. Del Rio then had to make the announcement himself in a very heartfelt and classy manner. This came after news broke the day before about a possible Jon Gruden to Oakland rumor. Rumors about Gruden returning to coaching have circled many times since he left Tampa Bay for ESPN.

Even earlier in the week, reports were suggesting that he could return to the Buccaneers to take over for Dirk Koetter. Those rumors were quickly silenced after Tampa announced they were bringing Koetter back. But there was something different about the Gruden to Oakland rumors. Even NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport chimed in and agreed that the rumors could be legitimate.

Then, Del Rio got fired and everyone knew what it meant. Jon Gruden is coming back to Oakland to lead the Raiders back to greatness. Well not yet, it has yet to be officially confirmed by either party. The Raiders have to go through the protocol and interview a minority coach for the position to comply with the Rooney Rule. But all in all, this move is about as official as it gets without being a done deal.

Gruden will once again pace the sideline and call plays for the Oakland Raiders, and it is a great move for the Raiders. Here’s why.

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