The Jacksonville Jaguars have added Jay Gruden of the Cincinnati Bengals to their growing list of head-coaching candidates, reports Albert Breer of NFL Network. Gruden, the Bengals' offensive coordinator, "told the Jaguars that while he's interested, he wants to focus on Saturday's AFC Wild Card Game against the Houston Texans," says Breer. Further, Breer cites sources as saying Gruden learned "he's a strong candidate" for the position.
Gruden is credited for helping Andy Dalton, the Bengals' rookie quarterback, adjust to the professional game. Dalton completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his first professional campaign. As a head coach, perhaps Gruden could work with Jags quarterback Blaine Gabbert to similar effect. In his rookie season, Gabbert completed only 50.8 percent of his pass attempts while throwing 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
The Jags appear to be set on hiring an offensive coordinator to be their next head coach, as their rumored top candidates have all held that position previously. Prior to joining the Bengals, Gruden's only NFL experience came in his seven-year tenure as an offensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then coached by his brother John.
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