Hypothesis on Jon Gruden's future

There is a lot of speculation about Jon Gruden going to the University of Miami to become the next head coach of their program. At this time, however, it seems as though there is a lot more interest from Miami in Gruden than from Gruden in joining them. Despite an alleged offer of over $4 million per year and the ability to bring his brother in as part of the coaching staff, Gruden remains a member of the ESPN Monday Night Football broadcast.

It strikes me that Gruden is not the type that would have a lot of interest in building a college program and recruiting. Based off of what I gather from his present situation, he is looking for a place that he can go into and win within a couple of years. The University of Miami does not fit that profile. They are losing Florida high school football recruits to other schools, the program is simply not that good, and they really do not have a lot of impact players. Of course, landing a coach with the resume of a Jon Gruden would provide a significant boost to recruiting, but it would be a few seasons for his program to take shape. And Gruden is not exactly the most patient of people.

So, where could Gruden end up where he has a legitimate chance of winning soon? There will be the inevitable rumors of Dallas and Minnesota, but those are teams with significant flaws. He will avoid places like that as if the cities were overrun with plague carrying rodents. The team that I think he ends up with, in what may be a shock, would be the Cleveland Browns.

I realize that at first glance this would seem to be an extreme stab in the dark. However, the Browns are a team that deserve a much deeper look. First, Mike Holmgren gave Gruden his first shot in the NFL in 1990 while Holmgren was in San Fransisco. When he left to become the head coach in Green Bay, Holmgren brought Gruden with him, making him the wide receivers coach for the Packers. Also, Mangini is not a Holmgren guy - he inherited him when assuming the titles of President and General Manager. So, there is a definite link there.

Second, Cleveland has a solid core of players on offense. Gruden loves Peyton Hillis, who he regards as a Mike Alstott clone. Colt McCoy has shown that he can develop into a solid NFL quarterback, and keep in mind, Gruden turned Rich Gannon into a Pro Bowler. Also, Cleveland's defense and special teams are solid. On defense, Cleveland is only giving up 20.8 points per game, which is actually thirteenth in the NFL. Josh Cribbs, when healthy, is an absolutely dynamic returner and a potential game changer on kickoff and punt returns.

Also, Cleveland has all of it's draft choices next year. As of this point in time, the Browns would be drafting in the top ten, which would allow them to either draft the stud receiver or a pass rushing outside linebacker that they need. Given Homgren's track record on draft day, the Browns could end up being a surprise team next season with the right coach.

If Mangini gets fired, don't be surprised to see Gruden don the brown and orange.