The New York Jets are preparing for a pivotal offseason, one that will likely involve the search for a new head coach. With interim coach Jeff Ulbrich currently at the helm, there is a slim chance that he could keep the position permanently. However, given that the Jets have managed just one win under his leadership, it seems far more likely that they will look to bring in someone new from outside the organization.
The uncertainty surrounding the Jets’ future extends beyond the head coach. There is also speculation that the franchise could part ways with superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is a future Hall of Famer. Rodgers joined the Jets with high expectations, but injuries and inconsistent play have led to a disappointing season.
However, if the Jets decide to give it another go with Rodgers for one more year, there is a former NFL player who has an unexpected suggestion for who should lead the team next.
Rob Gronkowski, the former NFL superstar tight end, recently shared a surprising idea during his weekly appearance on “Up and Adams” with host Kay Adams.
According to Gronkowski, the Jets should consider hiring Jon Gruden as their next head coach, especially if they want to maximize Aaron Rodgers’ potential.
“He brings that passion. He loves the game of football. Just loves the energy that football brings to the table,” Gronkowski said. “Jon Gruden loves a nice, solid quarterback … That would be the fit. I would like to see that happen. That’s how Aaron Rodgers stays with the Jets.”
Gruden is certainly a controversial figure in NFL circles. His last stint as an NFL head coach ended in disgrace when he resigned from the Las Vegas Raiders after reports surfaced that he had used anti-gay and misogynistic language in emails.
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Since then, Gruden has largely stayed out of the NFL spotlight, though he recently signed a three-year contract with Barstool Sports that reportedly includes an out clause should he decide to return to coaching.
If the Jets were to hire Gruden, it would undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about moves of the offseason. On the football side of things, there is no denying that Gruden has a solid track record as an offensive mind. He led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in the 2002 season and has a career coaching record of 117-112.
Gruden is well-respected for his offensive schemes and his ability to develop quarterbacks, which could make him an appealing option for a team looking to get the most out of a veteran signal-caller like Rodgers.
However, hiring Gruden would also come with significant baggage. The scandal that led to his resignation from the Raiders would follow him to any new team, and the Jets, a franchise that has historically shied away from moves that generate a lot of off-field drama, would have to weigh whether the benefits of hiring Gruden outweigh the potential distractions.
The acquisition of Aaron Rodgers was an exception to their usual approach, but bringing in Gruden could bring even more scrutiny and criticism from various corners of the football world.
Even though Gronkowski believes Gruden could be the answer for the Jets, it’s unlikely that New York will ultimately make that move. The franchise has typically been cautious about bringing in high-risk personalities, and hiring Gruden would certainly be a gamble.
Still, it is clear that the Jets need to find a coach who can lead them out of their current struggles and back to competitiveness in the AFC. After a disappointing season, the pressure is on to find the right leader who can restore hope to a passionate fanbase.
With two consecutive years of underperformance, the Jets cannot afford to miss on their next head coaching hire.
They need someone who can inspire confidence, improve the team’s consistency, and build a winning culture—whether that means taking a chance on a big name or finding an under-the-radar candidate ready to make their mark.
The Jets will have plenty of options to consider as they evaluate potential candidates. Whether they go for an experienced coach with a proven track record or opt for a fresh face with innovative ideas, one thing is certain: the next head coach of the New York Jets will face immense pressure to turn things around.
The stakes are high, and the organization knows they cannot afford to get it wrong this time.
As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on the Jets to see who they ultimately choose to guide their franchise forward. The decision will be critical, not just for the team, but for the future of Aaron Rodgers, who may still have one more shot at success in New York.
Whoever the Jets hire, they will need to bring stability, strong leadership, and the ability to help this team reach its potential—qualities that will be crucial for the Jets to end their cycle of mediocrity and compete for a playoff spot once again.
