Jon Gruden hasn’t (yet) left the Monday Night Football booth for a return to the sideline. But his brother just took a head-coaching job.
Jay Gruden was introduced today as head coach of the Florida Tuskers. In 2009 (the UFL’s first season), Gruden was the Tuskers’ offensive coordinator, and he’s now been promoted to replace Jim Haslett, who left the Tuskers to become the Washington Redskins’ defensive coordinator.
“I am honored to take on the role of head coach of the Florida Tuskers and grateful to the UFL for this opportunity,” Gruden said in the UFL’s press release announcing the hiring. “Our first season was a great success. Coach Haslett created a solid foundation that the team can continue to build upon. I am proud of the way Orlando has embraced the Tuskers’ dedicated players and coaches and I am excited to get to work preparing for season two.”
The Tuskers went 6-0 in the UFL’s inaugural season but lost in the championship game. Quarterback Brooks Bollinger, running Gruden’s offense, was the league’s player of the year.
Gruden has previously served as head coach of the Arena League’s Orlando Predators, and as an assistant to his brother with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
