The Washington Redskins had a handful of interviews lined up for their head coaching vacancy over the next week, but it appears they’ve found their man.
The Redskins will introduce Jay Gruden as their next head coach Thursday afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Gruden accepted the position just one day after interviewing with the team.
Gruden already had interviewed with the Tennessee Titans and also was scheduled to interview with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. His contract is for five years, according to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer.
Gruden, 46, who was an assistant under brother Jon Gruden with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for seven seasons (2002-2008), spent the last three seasons as the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator. He completely overhauled the team’s offensive system during his tenure, and Cincinnati finished sixth in the NFL in points per game (26.9) this season. The Bengals will promote running backs coach and former Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson to offensive coordinator in Gruden’s place.
While he has no head coaching experience in the NFL, Gruden spent one season as the head coach and general manager of the Florida Tuskers (2010) of the United Football League. He also served two stints as head coach of the Orlando Predators (1998-2001 and 2004-2008) of the Arena Football League.
Gruden is expected to retain Redskins tight ends coach Sean McVay, promoting him to offensive coordinator, per Schefter. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and secondary coach Raheem Morris are also expected to be kept on staff, according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.
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