The Las Vegas Raiders announced their full coaching staff on Monday, and the announcement included a somewhat surprising name.
The Raiders are retaining Deuce Gruden, the son of former head coach Jon Gruden, as a strength and conditioning coach for 2022. The younger Gruden spent the previous two years on the Raiders’ staff, having joined from a previous stint in Washington.
The elder Gruden abruptly resigned last season after damaging emails he sent several years ago emerged publicly. Gruden is now taking the NFL to court over his termination. Given the circumstances of Gruden’s exit, the Raiders might have been tempted to let Deuce move on as well.
On the other hand, given how the Raiders felt about the Gruden email leaks, this might not be that surprising after all. Plus, Deuce Gruden should be evaluated based on his own merits as a coach. The Raiders are clearly happy with him if they’re keeping him around.
Photo: Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden takes the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
