By: Colin Cook
Jon Gruden, infamous in Oakland for what is seen as a 'betrayal', has been retired and many a rumor has been spread about him wanting to return to coaching. As seen with Tom Coughlin, coaching has no age limit.
While it would make sense for Gruden to be in talks with the Raiders, a team he had previously coached in the early 2000s, the last time Oakland was a contender, it seems doubtful that he would make a return after getting a lucrative sportscasting job.
Gruden coached the Raiders to the Super Bo- oh wait, no he didn't. Going down for eternity in Raider lore, the 'Tuck Rule' game kept the Raiders and Gruden out of the Super Bowl. Soon after, then-GM Al Davis fired Gruden, who then was picked up by Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay then went to the Super Bowl...against Oakland, the very next season. While it was Al Davis' 'fault' for firing Gruden, many Raiders fans blame Gruden's knowledge of the Raider's playbook and skills for the blowout Super Bowl victory.
And while fans have absolutely no say in who coaches their team, it still is business, and Gruden has proven himself a capable leader. So if he does return to the Raiders, it should be seen as a renewal, not a betrayal.
As far as current-head coach Dennis Allen, he shouldn't have to worry. Coaches normally get a few seasons to work with what they have, and Oakland has very little. If Gruden were to sign on, I would expect him to take more of an advisory role; after all, Allen is the youngest head coach. With that longevity and Gruden's mind, it should make for an interesting combination.
Oh yeah, and there's also that looming shadow of Al Davis plaguing the Raiders organization, salary cap, and players and fans alike. That may pose a bigger issue than coaching.
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Raiders 'In Talks' With Gruden Over Return
Posted on 21:00 by Unknown
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