National Football League

NFL Rumors: Jon Gruden 'Would Listen' to a Rams Pitch

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden might be interested in the Los Angeles Rams’ head coach job.

As the Los Angeles Rams begin their search for the team’s next head coach, those close to Jon Gruden say he “would listen to a Rams pitch.”

The Rams parted ways with former head coach Jeff Fisher after his fifth losing season was secured following Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

While there are several names being floated as a potential replacement, Gruden’s name has come up and there are indications he might be interested.

According to Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, Gruden would likely entertain the idea of being the Rams’ next head coach:

Those close to Gruden have indicated he would listen to a Rams pitch, however, and that he might be interested in a return to coaching after seven years as color analyst for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.”

Gruden last coached in the NFL during the 2008 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also led the team to a Super Bowl victory in his first season as head coach there.

Gruden would be a great fit for the Rams because of his experience in working with quarterbacks. He could help get the most out of former No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff and turn the team around as an offensive specialist.

Whether or not Gruden wants to leave the Monday Night Football booth remains to be seen, but owner Stan Kroenke has the money to help persuade him to return to coaching.

Aside from Gruden, coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Josh McDaniels are being floated as possible replacements. For now, the Rams are rolling with special teams coordinator John Fassel as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2016 season, but even Fassel admitted he doesn’t expect this to be a long-term gig.