It would be fascinating to see the Brothers Gruden squaring off twice per year in the same division, but it won’t be happening.
Apart from the question of whether Jon wants to return to Philly as head coach of the Eagles is whether the Eagles want him. They don’t -- which may or may not be influencing Gruden’s position that he didn’t express interest in the job.
In the aftermath of the Chip Kelly experiment, executive V.P. of football operations Howie Roseman has emerged with renewed influence. Apart from the fact that he had no hand in last year’s debacle (given that Kelly won a power struggle that had Roseman exiled from the football side of the building), owner Jeffrey Lurie now knows he picked the wrong guy a year ago.
This time around, Roseman will try to keep the wrong guy out by not hiring a coach who would try to take over, either on his way in the door or after he wins games and builds up equity with the fan base. That’s one of the reasons why Roseman is gravitating toward up-and-coming assistant coaches who will be happy to be coaches, and who can be trusted not to try to launch a coup.
Whether it’s Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase or Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson or Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott or someone else, Roseman wants a guy who can be trusted to work with (or maybe for) the guy who currently holds the cards in Philadelphia. That’s why any coach with an actual or perceived desire to run the show need not apply.
