The Washington Redskins are keeping Jay Gruden around for a fifth season — and it’s the right move.
Owner Daniel Snyder is doing something he’s never done in his 18-year tenure as owner of the Washington Redskins: he’s bringing back a head coach for a fifth season. Head coach Jay Gruden, despite some questionable performances by his team during the final month of the season, will return for a fifth season. And it’s undoubtedly the right move.
Gruden’s overall record, 28-35-1, isn’t going to impress too many people. In most cases, that type of record over four years gets coaches fired on a yearly basis. In fact, most coaches never make it that far with a winning percentage of 45 percent. However, part of that record is skewed due to mess Gruden inherited in 2014. He took over a 3-13 team that was a mess at quarterback. His first season, he went 4-12 while cycling through three quarterbacks after quickly discovering Robert Griffin III wasn’t the answer.
In Gruden’s second season, he led Washington to an NFC East title and found the team’s answer at quarterback in Kirk Cousins. Cousins would go on to break numerous franchise passing records over the last three seasons. The team’s inability to sign Cousins to a long-term deal isn’t reflective of anything Gruden has done.
Washington’s 2017 season actually got off to a promising start. Kansas City was the NFL’s best team back in Week 4 when Cousins brought the Redskins down the field late in Arrowhead Stadium and almost pulled off a huge win to move to 3-1 on the season. Unfortunately, Josh Doctson couldn’t hang onto a Cousins’ pass and the Redskins couldn’t stop the Chiefs late.
Then, the injuries hit.
Despite countless key injuries on both sides of the ball, Gruden kept the Redskins fighting. The offensive line was decimated. All five starters, even key backups, missed time with injuries. Yet, Washington’s offense was still competitive. Gruden’s ability to scheme around his team’s liabilities was outstanding.
The biggest injury Gruden faced was the loss of do-it-all back Chris Thompson in a heartbreaking loss to the Saints. The Redskins held a 15-point lead late in the game but Drew Brees proved too much for Washington’s defense in what would be the team’s most devastating loss of the season. The offense would not be the same without Thompson for the rest of 2017.
So, firing Gruden would’ve been a failure for Snyder. Gruden did a good job considering what he faced in 2017. And, there’s also the fact team president Bruce Allen signed him to a two-year extension back in the spring.
The Redskins’ goal should not be nine wins per season. Gruden needs to do more. Next year will be an important one for him and this franchise. He’s certainly earned the right to come back. The biggest question facing Gruden is who will his quarterback be in 2018?
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If Washington lets Cousins walk, Gruden is the perfect guy to find and groom the next quarterback for the Washington Redskins. Along with Kyle Shanahan and former Gruden pupil Sean McVay, Gruden is one of the best offensive minds in the NFL.
The often-impetuous Snyder made the correct call on Monday. This is a big offseason for all involved with the Washington Redskins and if the team can retain the right players and have another solid offseason, they can compete for a playoff spot next fall. If not, Gruden probably won’t be back.