In 2009, Jay Gruden served as the offensive coordinator on head coach Jim Haslett’s coaching staff with the UFL’s Florida Tuskers.
It looks like the two men will be working together again, although the roles may be reversed. Gruden has agreed to become the head coach of the Redskins and Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports reports Haslett is expected to remain in the defensive coordinator job he’s had in Washington for the last four years.
Adam Schefter of ESPN, meanwhile, reports former Buccaneers head coach and current Redskins defensive backs coach Raheem Morris is a possibility for the defensive coordinator post. Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports Haslett “could be” the choice and that both coaches are candidates to remain with the team so it remains to be seen how things play out in the end.
Haslett’s unit closed well as the Redskins took the 2012 NFC East title, but, like most of the Redskins, the group isn’t coming off its best season. The Redskins finished the 2013 season ranked 30th in the league in points allowed and they ranked 18th in yards allowed as Washington slumped to the 3-13 record that opened the door for Gruden’s arrival.
Schefter also reports that the offensive coordinator on Gruden’s first staff is also expected to be a holdover from Mike Shanahan’s staff. Tight ends coach Sean McVay is expected to get promoted to the coordinator position and is familiar with Gruden after spending the 2009 season on that Tuskers staff as a wide receivers and quarterbacks coach. He is the grandson of former NFL coach and executive John McVay.