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Jay Gruden
File:Jay Gruden (36682438715).jpg
Gruden in 2017
Washington Redskins
Position:Head coach
Personal information
Born: (1967-03-04) March 4, 1967 (age 57)
Tiffin, Ohio
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:Tampa (FL) Chamberlain
College:Louisville
Undrafted:1989
Career history
As player:
* Barcelona Dragons (1991)
As coach:
* Nashville Kats (1997)
Offensive coordinator
  • Orlando Predators (19982001)
    Head coach
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 2002 2008)
    Offensive assistant
  • Orlando Predators (20042008)
    Head coach
  • Florida Tuskers (2009)
    Offensive coordinator
  • Florida Tuskers (2010)
    Head coach and general manager
  • Cincinnati Bengals ( 2011 2013)
    Offensive coordinator
  • Washington Redskins ( 2014–present)
    Head coach
  • Career highlights and awards
    ;As player:
    • ArenaBowl champion (V, VII, IX, X)
    • ArenaBowl VII MVP
    • AFL MVP (1992)
    • AFL's 10th Anniversary Team (1996)
    • AFL's Second Team 15th Anniversary Team (2001)
    • AFL's 4th Greatest Player of All Time (2012)
    • 2× First-team All-Arena (1992, 1995)
    • Arena Football Hall of Fame
    As coach
    Career Arena statistics
    Completion %:59.8%
    Passing yards:21,479
    TDINT:397–99
    Passer rating:104.72
    Rushing TDs:5
    Head coaching record
    Regular season:AFL: .603
    UFL: .625
    NFL: .444
    Postseason:AFL: .611
    UFL: .000
    NFL: .000
    Career:AFL: .604
    UFL: .556
    NFL: .438
    Coaching stats at PFR
    Player stats at ArenaFan.com

    Jay Michael Gruden (born March 4, 1967) is an American football coach and former quarterback, who is the current head coach of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). During his time in the Arena Football League (AFL), he won four ArenaBowls as a player and two more as a head coach. He is the younger brother of Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, and was a member of the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl XXXVII.

    Early years[]

    Of Croatian descent, Gruden was born in Tiffin, Ohio, and was raised a Roman Catholic.[1][2] 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.[3]

    College career[]

    Gruden attended the University of Louisville, where he was a four-year letterman at Louisville Cardinals football team (1985–1988).[4] 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.[5] 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. As a senior, Gruden led the team to an 8–3 record, their first winning season in 10 years.[6]

    Professional career[]

    Gruden played two seasons in the World League of American Football (with Barcelona in 1991 and Scotland in 1995).[7] He also spent 3 seasons of time in the NFL (Phoenix) and CFL (Sacramento) on practice squads. Gruden won four ArenaBowl titles as the starting quarterback of the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League. He was named the league's MVP in 1992.[8] After stepping off the field to coach, Gruden returned to the field in 2002 as a member of the Orlando Predators.[9]

    Honors and awards[]

    • 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[10]

    Coaching career[]

    Arena Football League[]

    Gruden began his coaching career as the offensive coordinator for the AFL's Nashville Kats in 1997.[11] In 1998, he became head coach of the Orlando Predators, the main rival of the Storm.[12] 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[]

    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.[13][14][15] He left the team after his brother was fired following the 2008 season.[16]

    Florida Tuskers[]

    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.[17]

    Cincinnati Bengals[]

    On February 3, 2011, Gruden was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.[10][18] On January 13, 2012, Gruden signed a three-year extension with the Bengals at the position,[19] 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).[20]

    In January 2013, Gruden was interviewed by the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Diego Chargers for their vacant head coaching positions.[21][22]

    Gruden’s offense helped lead the Bengals to three straight Wild Card playoff appearances, including the AFC North title in 2013.[23][24][25]

    Washington Redskins[]

    On January 9, 2014, Gruden was hired as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins, succeeding Mike Shanahan.[26][27] Since Gruden was a highly sought after coach, Redskins owner Dan Snyder gave him a fully guaranteed, 5-year contract worth $20 million.[28]

    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.[29] In 2016 the Redskins finished 8-7-1 however missed the playoffs. This marked the first time the Redskins posted back-to-back winning seasons since 1996-1997. [30]

    On March 4, 2017, the Redskins signed Gruden to a 2-year contact extension.[31]

    Head coaching record[]

    AFL[]

    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[]

    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[]

    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
    Total 35 44 1 .444 0 1 .000

    Personal life[]

    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 is the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. His other brother, James, is a radiologist at the New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medical Center.[32]

    References[]

    1. "NFL Football Highlights, Clips & Analysis" (in en-US). http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId%20=09000d5d80ffc718.
    2. "Famous Catholics". http://www.adherents.com/largecom/fam_catholic.html.
    3. Knight, Joey (June 9, 2017). "Legendary Hillsborough County prep football coach Billy Turner dies". TampaBay.com. https://www.tampabay.com/sports/footballpreps/legendary-hillsborough-county-prep-football-coach-billy-turner-dies/2326724.
    4. Hack, Damon (August 24, 2011). "Postcard from camp: Bengals". http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/damon_hack/08/24/bengals.postcard/index.html.
    5. "Louisville Cardinals Passing Records". www.gocards.com. University of Louisville. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140109224051/http://www.gocards.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/m-footbl-passingrecords.html. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
    6. "Louisville Cardinals Football Record By Year" (in en). https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/louisville/index.html.
    7. "1991 Barcelona Dragons Roster" (in en). The Football Database. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/wlaf/barcelona-dragons/roster/1991.
    8. "Gruden Named 4th Greatest in AFL History". www.tampabaystorm.com. Tampa Bay Storm. August 2, 2012. http://www.tampabaystorm.com/news/detail/gruden-4th-greatest-in-afl-history. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
    9. "Gruden returns to playing field". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. January 14, 2002. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/gruden-returns-to-playing-field/n-2708736. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
    10. 10.0 10.1 Hensley, Jamison (February 3, 2011). "Bengals hire Jay Gruden". ESPN Internet Ventures.. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6085902.
    11. Princiotti, Nora. "Jay Gruden, back to calling plays, will draw on lifetime of experience" (in en-US). The Washington Times. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/6/jay-gruden-back-calling-plays-will-draw-lifetime-e/.
    12. "10 things about Jay Gruden, new Redskins coach" (in en). Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2014/01/09/10-things-about-jay-gruden-new-redskins-coach/.
    13. "Jay Gruden’s career has one constant: winning." (in en). Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/jay-grudens-winding-path-to-becoming-washington-redskins-head-coach/2014/01/09/a942fc88-7944-11e3-a647-a19deaf575b3_story.html.
    14. "Jay Gruden". www.coachingroots.com. CoachingRoots.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140109181642/http://coachingroots.com/football/coaches/jay-gruden. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
    15. "2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Staff". www.coachingroots.com. CoachingRoots.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140109181503/http://coachingroots.com/football/teams/tampa-bay-buccaneers/2002. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
    16. "Bucs ax Gruden; Morris said to be successor" (in en). ESPN.com. January 16, 2009. http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3839188.
    17. Hays, Chris (February 10, 2010). "UFL names Jay Gruden new Tuskers coach, but big news is that Orlando becomes sole residence for Tuskers". http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-02-10/sports/os-florida-tuskers-ufl-name-jay-gruden-coach-0209_1_ufl-florida-tuskers-jay-gruden-coach-haslett.
    18. Rosenthal, Gregg (February 3, 2011). "Jay Gruden to Bengals confirmed". NBC Sports. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/03/jay-gruden-to-bengals-confirmed/.
    19. Kirkendoll, Josh (January 12, 2012). "Confirmed: Bengals Sign Jay Gruden To A Three-Year Extension". Vox Media, Inc.. http://www.cincyjungle.com/2012/1/12/2703357/confirmed-bengals-sign-jay-gruden-to-a-three-year-extension.
    20. Hensley, Jamison (January 13, 2012). "Wake-up call: Jay Gruden signs extension". ESPN Internet Ventures.. http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/40292/wake-up-call-jay-gruden-signs-extension.
    21. Sessler, Marc (January 8, 2013). "Jay Gruden plans to interview with Eagles, Cardinals". National Football League. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000123877/article/jay-gruden-plans-to-interview-with-eagles-cardinals.
    22. Williamson, Bill (January 13, 2013). "Chargers interview Jay Gruden". ESPN Internet Ventures.. http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nfl/story/_/id/8841275/jay-gruden-interviews-san-diego-chargers-head-coaching-job.
    23. "2011 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2011.htm.
    24. "2012 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2012.htm.
    25. "2013 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2013.htm.
    26. Boyer, Zac (January 9, 2014). "Jay Gruden hired as Redskins coach". WashingtonTimes.com. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jan/9/jay-gruden-hired-redskins-coach/. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
    27. Keim, John (January 9, 2014). "Jay Gruden to coach Redskins". ESPN Internet Ventures.. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10267454/washington-redskins-hire-jay-gruden-coach.
    28. LaConfora, Jason. "Jay Gruden's deal with Redskins includes rare five guaranteed years". http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24414015/jay-grudens-deal-with-redskins-includes-rare-five-guaranteed-years.
    29. "2015 Washington Redskins Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/2015.htm.
    30. "2016 Washington Redskins Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/2016.htm.
    31. Keim, John (March 6, 2017). "Redskins make necessary move with Jay Gruden's extension". ESPN.com. http://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/30391/redskins-make-necessary-move-with-jay-grudens-extension.
    32. "Redskins' new coach had family football foundation". Redskins XTRA. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141010140733/http://redskinsxtra.blogs.timesdispatch.com/2014/01/11/redskins-new-coach-family-football-foundation/.

    External links[]

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