Jon Gruden pumping his fist

The New York Jets have shed light on their recent decision to bring in former NFL head coach Jon Gruden for a visit — and their reasoning is drawing attention for all the right reasons.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Gruden spent time with the Jets, attending practices and working alongside the offensive coaching staff. His visit focused on helping shape the team’s offensive approach, particularly in maximizing quarterback Derek Carr’s strengths.

This marks a notable step for Gruden, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since resigning as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 following controversy over leaked emails. Despite that, his football expertise — especially his prior work with Carr — remains highly regarded around the league.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh addressed the decision, emphasizing the practical football reasons behind the move.

“We’ve had several coaches come through and spend time with us,” Saleh said. “Jon has a deep understanding of Derek and what he does best. Some of Derek’s most productive years came under Jon, so we felt it was valuable to bring him in, share ideas, and see what concepts we could incorporate.”

Saleh also downplayed any potential backlash tied to Gruden’s past, making it clear the focus was strictly on improving the team.

“Everyone involved felt like it was beneficial,” he added. “At the end of the day, we’re going to explore every opportunity to get better as a football team.”

During his tenure with the Raiders, Gruden ran a West Coast-style offense — a system Carr is very familiar with. That familiarity could prove useful as the Jets continue refining their offensive identity heading into the current season.

The move comes as New York looks to address inconsistencies on offense. Last season, the unit struggled to find rhythm, finishing in the lower half of the league in both total yardage and scoring. Even modest improvement could significantly impact the team’s overall performance.

By bringing in a veteran offensive mind with a proven track record alongside their quarterback, the Jets are signaling a clear intent: do whatever it takes to elevate the offense and compete at a higher level right now.