Just when you thought you had seen it all.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic revealed on social media that the New York Jets “reached out to Jon Gruden about the idea of joining Aaron Glenn’s staff, according to multiple sources. Gruden wasn’t interested in the job.”
The Jets have several spots on the coaching staff to fill, including but not limited to: passing game coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and, most recently, offensive coordinator.
On Tuesday, January 27, the Jets fired Tanner Engstrand, and they “immediately” began their search for the next OC.
Gruden Has a Staggering NFL Resume
The former Dayton product is 62 years of age and will turn 63 before the start of the 2026 season.
Gruden won a Super Bowl ring as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has coached the game of football for 38 years.
Gruden has 15 years of experience as an NFL head coach. He finished with a 117-112 record in the regular season. In the playoffs, Gruden has a 5-4 record.
Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures
The fact that head coach Aaron Glenn even reached out to Gruden reeks of desperation.
It’s not that Gruden is a bad coach, but he hasn’t been in a serious role in the NFL since 2021. That was when he unceremoniously resigned from his duties as the Las Vegas Raiders head coach amid controversy.
In 2023, Gruden served as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints. In 2024, he was an advisor to the Milano Seamen. They are an American football team based in Milano, Italy, that competed in the European League of Football.
Most recently, Gruden has served in an analyst role for Barstool Sports.
The Latest on the Jets Search
Gang Green was ripped apart on social media for the timing of their decision to move on from Engstrand.
NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo explained that the Jets “immediately” began their search to replace Engstrand.
However, he clarified what he meant on social media.
“And by immediately, I actually mean ‘officially.’ Aaron Glenn has had conversations with veteran offensive coaches about joining the Jets’ coaching staff. Now with clarity for all involved — it’s an offensive coordinator role,” Garafolo posted.
Jets Expected to Hire Frank Reich for Role on Staff
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY revealed on “Jets Final Drive” that Frank Reich and the Jets were in the beginning stages of talking “contract specifics.”
However, with Engstrand now fired as the team’s OC, things will change in this search.
Had the Jets hired Reich in a senior-level role as planned, they would have only had to interview “one diverse candidate.”
If the Jets end up hiring Reich, which Hughes fully expects them to do, saying it would be surprising if he doesn’t land the job on “Jets Final Drive.”
They will now have to interview at least two minority and/or female candidates because this vacancy is now for a coordinator role, per the Rooney Rule.
The Jets are still expected to hire Reich, but this will now slow down the process.
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