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Jay Gruden

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Jay Gruden
refer to caption
Gruden as Washington Redskins head coach, 2018
Personal information
Born: (1967-03-04) March 4, 1967 (age 57)
Tiffin, Ohio, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:George D. Chamberlain (Tampa, Florida)
College:Louisville (1985–1988)
Undrafted:1989
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
As player
As coach
Career Arena statistics
Completion %:59.8%
Passing yards:21,479
TD–INT:397–99
Passer rating:108.8
Rushing TDs:5
Head coaching record
Regular season:AFL: 82–54 (.603)
UFL: 5–3 (.625)
NFL: 35–49–1 (.418)
Postseason:AFL: 11–7 (.611)
UFL: 0–1 (.000)
NFL: 0–1 (.000)
Career:AFL: 93–61 (.604)
UFL: 5–4 (.556)
NFL: 35–50–1 (.413)
Player stats at ArenaFan.com
Coaching stats at PFR

Jay Michael Gruden (born March 4, 1967) is an American football coach and former quarterback. He previously served as the head coach of the Washington Redskins from 2014 to 2019 and as offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars. During his time in the Arena Football League (AFL), he won four ArenaBowls as a player and two more as a head coach. Gruden is the younger brother of former NFL head coach Jon Gruden and was an assistant coach of the 2002 Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl XXXVII.

Early life

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Of Slovene descent, Gruden was born in Tiffin, Ohio, and was raised a Roman Catholic.[1][2][3] He attended George D. Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida, where he played quarterback for the Chamberlain Chiefs high school football team under head coach Billy Turner.[4]

College career

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Gruden attended the University of Louisville, where he was a four-year letterman at Louisville Cardinals football team (1985–1988).[5] He finished his collegiate career with 7,024 passing yards (as of 2013, fourth all-time for the school), completing 572 of 1049 passes for 44 touchdowns. All four stats still rank in the top five in Cardinals history.[6] He also ranks in Louisville's top 10 for yards per completion, passing attempts in a season, and completions in a season. He ranks eighth in career completion percentage, seventh in career passing efficiency, and ninth in average yards per game for the Cardinals. Gruden threw for over 300 yards in a game six times at Louisville. Gruden led the team to an 8–3 record as a senior, their first winning season in 10 years.[7] After his playing career ended, Gruden remained active with the football program at Louisville, gaining his first coaching experience as a student assistant in 1989 and as a graduate assistant in the 1990 and 1991 seasons.[8]

Professional career

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Europe

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Gruden played two seasons in the World League of American Football in Spain (with Barcelona in 1991 and with the Scottish Claymores in Scotland in 1995).[9]

NFL

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Gruden was signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad after an injury to starter Dan Marino shortly before the 1989 season opener, but was waived several days later.[10]

Arena

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Gruden won four ArenaBowl titles as the starting quarterback of the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League.[11] He was named the league's MVP in 1992.[12] After stepping off the field to coach, Gruden returned to the field in 2002 as a member of the Orlando Predators.[13]

Honors and awards

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  • 1992: League MVP & First Team All-Arena
  • 1993: ArenaBowl VII MVP
  • 1993: All-Star Game MVP
  • 1995: First Team All-Arena
  • 1996: AFL's 10th Anniversary Team
  • 1999: AFL Hall of Fame & All-ArenaBowl Team
  • 2001: Second Team 15th Team Anniversary
  • 2006: Ranked fourth on the AFL's list of greatest players[14]

AFL career statistics

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Legend
AFL MVP
Won the ArenaBowl
Bold Career high
Year Team GP Passing Rushing Sacked
Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Y/A TD Sck Yds
1991 TB 9 127 199 63.8 1,504 7.6 43 26 11 103.3 17 55 3.2 2 11 84
1992 TB 10 189 305 62.0 2,491 8.2 47 50 15 106.8 13 37 2.8 0 0 –
1993 TB 11 188 312 60.3 2,516 8.1 45 41 14 106.8 15 15 1.0 1 0 –
1994 TB 12 206 368 56.0 2,597 7.1 49 49 12 104.1 9 32 3.6 2 22 160
1995 TB 12 197 352 56.0 2,787 7.9 45 44 11 108.3 20 7 0.4 0 10 65
1996 TB 14 275 447 61.5 3,626 8.1 44 70 14 113.7 8 −14 −1.8 0 15 93
2002 ORL 14 310 501 61.9 3,621 7.2 – 68 20 106.7 7 −4 −0.6 0 – –
2003 ORL 10 183 313 58.5 2,334 7.5 – 49 2 118.8 5 −2 −0.4 0 – –
Career 92 1,675 2,797 59.9 21,476 7.7 49 397 99 108.8 94 126 1.3 5 58 402

Coaching career

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Arena Football League

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Gruden began his coaching career as the offensive coordinator for the AFL's Nashville Kats in 1997.[15] In 1998, he became head coach of the Orlando Predators, the main rival of the Storm.[16] With Orlando, he won ArenaBowl titles in 1998 and 2000. He came out of retirement and resumed playing in 2002, this time for the Predators, but retired again and returned to head coaching when his replacement, Fran Papasedero, died after the 2003 season. Gruden has an overall AFL head coaching record of 93–61, including a mark of 11–7 in the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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From 2002 to 2008, he served as an offensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League under his brother, head coach Jon Gruden, earning a Super Bowl ring for the Bucs' win in Super Bowl XXXVII.[17][18][19] He left the team after his brother was fired following the 2008 season.[20]

Florida Tuskers

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In 2009, while the Predators were on hiatus during the bankruptcy reorganization of the AFL, he was selected to be head coach Jim Haslett's offensive coordinator for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. As part of his contract, he was not permitted to remain head coach of the Predators. Instead, former Orlando quarterback Pat O'Hara, who led the team to its two ArenaBowl titles when Gruden was head coach, was hired in his place.

On February 20, 2010, Gruden was named head coach of the Tuskers following Haslett's departure to join Mike Shanahan's staff with the NFL's Washington Redskins.[21]

Cincinnati Bengals

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On February 3, 2011, Gruden was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.[14][22] On January 13, 2012, Gruden signed a three-year extension with the Bengals at the position,[23] even after being asked to interview for at least three NFL head coaching jobs (with the Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams, and later turning down the Indianapolis Colts).[24]

In January 2013, Gruden was interviewed by the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Diego Chargers for their vacant head coaching positions.[25][26]

Gruden's offense helped lead the Bengals to three straight Wild Card playoff appearances, including the AFC North title in 2013.[27][28][29]

Washington Redskins

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On January 9, 2014, Gruden was hired as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins, succeeding Mike Shanahan.[30][31] Since Gruden was a highly sought after coach, Redskins owner Dan Snyder gave him a fully guaranteed, 5-year contract worth $20 million.[32]

In the 2015 season, Gruden led the Redskins to their first playoff appearance since 2012. The Redskins would go on a 4-game winning streak to finish the season, and win the NFC East with a 9–7 record. However, the Redskins lost to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round 35–18, ending their season.[33] In 2016, the Redskins finished 8–7–1, but missed the playoffs. This marked the first time the Redskins posted back-to-back winning seasons since the 1996 and 1997 seasons.[34]

On March 4, 2017, Jay Gruden signed a two-year contract extension with the team.[35] On October 7, 2019, Gruden was fired after starting the season 0–5, finishing his overall tenure as head coach at 35–49–1.[36]

Jacksonville Jaguars

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On January 22, 2020, Gruden was hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars as their offensive coordinator under head coach Doug Marrone.[37] Alongside Doug Marrone and the rest of the team's coaches, he was let go following the season after the team finished with a franchise-worst 1–15 record.[38]

Los Angeles Rams

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Gruden worked as an offensive consultant with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.[39]

Head coaching record

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AFL

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
ORL 1998 9 5 0 .643 2nd Southern 3 0 0 ArenaBowl XII Champions
ORL 1999 7 7 0 .500 3rd Southern 2 1 0 Lost to Albany Firebirds in ArenaBowl XIII
ORL 2000 11 3 0 .786 3rd Southern 3 0 0 ArenaBowl XIV Champions
ORL 2001 8 6 0 .571 3rd Southern 0 1 0 Lost to Chicago Rush in Wild Card Game
ORL 2004 10 6 0 .625 2nd Southern 0 1 0 Lost to Chicago Rush in Quarterfinals
ORL 2005 10 6 0 .625 2nd Southern 1 1 0 Lost to Georgia Force in NC Final
ORL 2006 10 6 0 .625 1st Southern 2 1 0 Lost to Chicago Rush in ArenaBowl XX
ORL 2007 8 8 0 .500 3rd Southern 0 1 0 Lost to Philadelphia Soul in NC Wild Card Game
ORL 2008 9 7 0 .563 2nd Southern 0 1 0 Lost to Cleveland Gladiators in NC Wild Card Game
Total 82 54 0 .603 11 7 .611

UFL

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
FL 2010 5 3 0 .625 2nd in UFL 0 1 0 Lost to Las Vegas Locos in 2010 UFL Championship Game
Total 5 3 0 .625 0 1 .000

NFL

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
WAS 2014 4 12 0 .250 4th in NFC East – – – –
WAS 2015 9 7 0 .563 1st in NFC East 0 1 .000 Lost to Green Bay Packers in NFC Wild Card Game
WAS 2016 8 7 1 .531 3rd in NFC East – – – –
WAS 2017 7 9 0 .438 3rd in NFC East – – – –
WAS 2018 7 9 0 .438 3rd in NFC East – – – –
WAS 2019 0 5 0 .000 Fired – – – –
Total 35 49 1 .418 0 1 .000

Personal life

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Gruden's father, Jim, a long-time college and NFL assistant coach, was a former regional scout for the San Francisco 49ers. His brother Jon was the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl in 2002. His other brother, James, is a radiologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.[40]

References

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  1. ^ Stephenson, Al (June 7, 2021). "This famed last name in sports was big in Tiffin in the 1950s". Advertiser-Tribune.com. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  2. ^ "Biggest call of all". Bengals.com. February 8, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  3. ^ "Famous Catholics". www.adherents.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2005.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  4. ^ Knight, Joey (June 9, 2017). "Legendary Hillsborough County prep football coach Billy Turner dies". TampaBay.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  5. ^ Hack, Damon (August 24, 2011). "Postcard from camp: Bengals". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  6. ^ "Louisville Cardinals Passing Records". www.gocards.com. University of Louisville. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  7. ^ "Louisville Cardinals Football Record By Year". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  8. ^ https://www.bgobsession.com/mg/2014.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  9. ^ "1991 Barcelona Dragons Roster". The Football Database. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  10. ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/for-washington-redskins-coach-jay-gruden-nfl-dream-took-time-to-come-true/2014/07/22/d4505baa-0eb3-11e4-b0dd-edc009ac1f9d_story.html [bare URL]
  11. ^ Cotey, John C. (June 1, 1996). "Dixon makes mark quickly". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  12. ^ "Gruden Named 4th Greatest in AFL History". www.tampabaystorm.com. Tampa Bay Storm. August 2, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  13. ^ "Gruden returns to playing field". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. January 14, 2002. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  14. ^ a b Hensley, Jamison (February 3, 2011). "Bengals hire Jay Gruden". ESPN. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  15. ^ Princiotti, Nora. "Jay Gruden, back to calling plays, will draw on lifetime of experience". The Washington Times. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  16. ^ Kogod, Sarah (January 9, 2014). "10 things about Jay Gruden, new Redskins coach". Washington Post. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  17. ^ "Jay Gruden's career has one constant: winning". Washington Post. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  18. ^ "Jay Gruden". www.coachingroots.com. CoachingRoots.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  19. ^ "2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Staff". www.coachingroots.com. CoachingRoots.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  20. ^ Mortensen, Chris; Clayton, John; Yasinskas, Pat (January 16, 2009). "Bucs ax Gruden; Morris said to be successor". ESPN.com. Associated Press. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  21. ^ Hays, Chris (February 10, 2010). "UFL names Jay Gruden new Tuskers coach, but big news is that Orlando becomes sole residence for Tuskers". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  22. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (February 3, 2011). "Jay Gruden to Bengals confirmed". www.profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. NBC Sports. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  23. ^ Kirkendoll, Josh (January 12, 2012). "Confirmed: Bengals Sign Jay Gruden To A Three-Year Extension". www.cincyjungle.com. Vox Media, Inc. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  24. ^ Hensley, Jamison (January 13, 2012). "Wake-up call: Jay Gruden signs extension". ESPN. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  25. ^ Sessler, Marc (January 8, 2013). "Jay Gruden plans to interview with Eagles, Cardinals". NFL.com. National Football League. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  26. ^ Williamson, Bill (January 13, 2013). "Chargers interview Jay Gruden". ESPN. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  27. ^ "2011 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  28. ^ "2012 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  29. ^ "2013 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  30. ^ Boyer, Zac (January 9, 2014). "Jay Gruden hired as Football Team coach". WashingtonTimes.com. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  31. ^ Keim, John (January 9, 2014). "Jay Gruden to coach Redskins". ESPN. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  32. ^ LaConfora, Jason (January 19, 2014). "Jay Gruden's deal with Redskins includes rare five guaranteed years". CBSSports.
  33. ^ "2015 Washington Redskins Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  34. ^ "2016 Washington Football Team Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  35. ^ Keim, John (March 6, 2017). "Redskins make necessary move with Jay Gruden's extension". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  36. ^ "Redskins fire head coach Jay Gruden after 0–5 start". NFL.com. October 7, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  37. ^ Oehser, John (January 22, 2020). "Official: Gruden named offensive coordinator". Jaguars.com. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  38. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  39. ^ Williams, Madison (August 25, 2022). "Rams' Sean McVay Hires Former Boss Jay Gruden As Consultant". SI.com. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  40. ^ Coe, Sheerah (May 3, 2022). "Welcome, Dr. James Gruden who joins us as a Professor in the Division of Thoracic Imaging". Department of Radiology. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
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