Following the firing of Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio, it was immediately pushed forward the growing expectation that Jon Gruden will take over the helm.
This has now leaked over to the players with former Pro Bowl linebacker NaVorro Bowman voicing much excitement toward the possibility, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Bowman, an impending free agent, called the potential of adding Gruden “exciting.”
“You know what he’s done in the past,” Bowman said. “You know that he understands the game of football, both sides. He’s studied the quarterback position inside and out. He’s a guy that is a well-known critic in this game and coach as well. I look forward to seeing what happens.”
With Bowman being the latest weigh in with optimism about the situation, it gives off the impression that it could be only a matter of time before Gruden takes the job with the Raiders. The signs are beginning to point in that direction with various reports indicating that ESPN has acknowledged that being the case.
However, the Raiders have to first comply with the Rooney Rule that requires each NFL team with a head coaching position to interview at least one minority candidate. That said, Gruden has already stated he hopes to be considered for the job opening.
Gruden coached the Raiders for four seasons where he held a 38-26 record that includes a pair of playoff appearances, two AFC West division titles, and a trip to the AFC Championship game. He last coached in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in the 2008 season and has since held the Monday night football broadcast position with ESPN.
Follow Us
Subscribe