Jay Gruden Takes Head Coaching Job

Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals front office must now find a new offensive coordinator (they already have) to replace the departing Jay Gruden who leaves Cincinnati to take over as the head coach of the Washington Redskins.

This move comes as no surprise to Bengals fans as Gruden has long been rumored to be a great head coaching candidate. Gruden spent the last three years as the offensive coordinator of the Bengals. His west coast style of offense led the Bengals to three straight playoff appearances but erratic play from his quarterback and some of his play calling led to three straight first round losses for the Bengals.

Gruden moves on to a Washington team that is stuck in turmoil. Owner Dan Snyder who has taken over the helm as the most micro managing owner from Jerry Jones fired Mike Shannahan following a disappointing season and numerous reports of turmoil between Shannahan and quarterback Robert Giffin III.

Gruden must now implement his style of play with Griffin at quarterback. There are some people that believe Gruden may favor Kirk Cousins over RG3 but that is yet to be seen. Owner Dan Snyder is all in with RG3 he hedged his bets and went all in trading up in the 2012 draft to get Griffin, that move has not paid off yet other than keep their names and turmoil all over ESPN.

Cincinnati meanwhile must move on and they have reportedly already selected their next offensive coordinator in Hue Jackson who is currently the running backs coach for the Bengals. Jackson has a long resume of coaching, most people recognize his name from his year as the Oakland Raiders head coach.

Now Cincinnati waits to see if defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is also leaving, he is considered a favorite for the Minnesota Vikings job.