Since taking over the helm of the Oakland Raiders as their next head coach, Jon Gruden has quickly endeared himself to the various players on the roster. It has helped him earn a strong level of respect that could go a long way in helping push the franchise forward in 2018.

During a recent interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio, veteran defensive end Bruce Irving spoke quite highly Gruden stating that he has let the players manage the team with more control. (h/t Tyler Green of Silver and Black Pride)

“He (Gruden) lets us run the team,” said Irvin in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio. “Guys was kinda worried with him being out of the game for 8-9 years if he would try to come back and try to be old school style, but it’s completely different.”

Given that Gruden has been out of a coaching position in the NFL for nearly a decade, it has raised questions about whether he can adapt to the manner in which the game is played now. He appears to have moved toward being able to adjust from a player's standpoint with allowing them to be more of a louder voice in terms of leadership of the team.

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There will likely be an adjustment period for Gruden to get further acquainted with how the game has changed since he last held a head coach job in the league. However, the way he has operated with the team up to this point could help get the players to quickly buy into his game plan for the 2018 season.

Ultimately, only time will tell if Gruden's coaching style can adjust to the NFL after a near-decade absence from the sidelines. This is the prime opportunity for him to showcase whether he has what it takes to lead the franchise in the right direction eventually toward a Super Bowl.