Gruden coached for seven seasons (2002-08) in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a Super Bowl championship ring in 2002. He also ranks among the most outstanding players and coaches in the history of the Arena Football League, having won four league championships as a quarterback and two as a head coach. In 18 AFL seasons as a player and head coach, he never missed the playoffs.
Jay Gruden joined the Bengals on Feb. 3 of this year as the club’s new offensive coordinator.
Gruden, 44, coached for seven seasons (2002-08) in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a Super Bowl championship ring in 2002. He also ranks among the most outstanding players and coaches in the history of the Arena Football League, having won four league championships as a quarterback and two as a head coach. In 18 AFL seasons as a player and head coach, he never missed the playoffs.
“We are excited to have Jay join us and give us a new direction offensively,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “He has proven himself a consistent winner in a variety of positions and has earned tremendous respect in the coaching profession. He’s going to provide the energy and attacking style that will best suit our offensive skill players.
“This is something I wanted to get right, to take the time to make the best decision. The offense is where we need to show improvement. One thing we did in 2010 was to develop a number of very promising new players, particularly on offense, and Jay is a key addition to this process.”
In 2010, Gruden was head coach and general manager of the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He led the Tuskers to the UFL championship game.
“I expect great things with the Bengals,” Gruden said. “I intend on bringing a great attitude and work ethic. We’ll build off the strength this offense has developed and add a system to challenge everyone in the building.”
Gruden played four seasons at QB for the University of Louisville (1985-88), including three years as the starter. He was a two-time team MVP and ranks fourth in Cardinals history in completions (572), passing yards (7024) and touchdown passes (44). He played QB in the Arena League for six seasons (1991-96) with the Tampa Bay Storm, winning four AFL titles and posting numbers as the league’s all-time leading passer.
He was head coach for the AFL’s Orlando Predators for nine seasons (1998-2001 and 2004-08). He led the team to four championship game appearances, with two league titles, while compiling a 93-61 record (.604 winning percentage). During a two-year hiatus from coaching the Predators, in 2002-03, he returned to the playing field as Orlando’s QB, leading two playoff seasons. He was elected in 1999 to the AFL Hall of Fame.
In 2002, Gruden accepted a position as an offensive assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, taking on a dual role as he also continued his AFL exploits during NFL offseasons. He worked for seven seasons (2002-08) under his brother Jon, who was Bucs head coach. He contributed to three division championship seasons, including the 2002 campaign that saw the Bucs defeat Oakland 48-21 for a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.
In 2009, Gruden was offensive coordinator for the UFL Tuskers, helping them to an unbeaten regular season with a league-best 30.5 scoring average.
Gruden was born March 4, 1967 in Tiffin, Ohio. He and his wife, Sherry, have three sons — J.J., Joey and Jack.
PLAYING AND COACHING HISTORY — 1985-88: Played QB at University of Louisville. 1990: Played QB for Barcelona Dragons and Sacramento Surge (WLAF). 1991-96: Played QB for Tampa Bay Storm (AFL). 1997: Offensive coordinator, Nashville Kats (AFL). 1998-2001: Head coach, Orlando Predators (AFL). 2002-03: Played QB for Orlando Predators. 2004-08: Head coach, Orlando Predators. 2002-08: Assistant coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 2009: Offensive coordinator, Florida Tuskers (UFL). 2010: Head coach, Florida Tuskers. 2011: Joins Bengals as offensive coordinator.
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