Saints-Gruden Consultation Has Positives, Raises Questions

The latest report on the Saints and Jon Gruden connection has many positives but raises several questions.

During voluntary OTAs, the New Orleans Saints met with former Super Bowl XXXVII-winning head coach Jon Gruden at their facilities, as Saints reporter Jeff Duncan first reported.  Undoubtedly, the Saints have an advantage with Gruden's keen insight on utilizing quarterback Derek Carr, but there are questions surrounding his visit and consultation.

First, it's worth highlighting the benefits of bringing in Jon Gruden.  Over the course of four seasons from 2018 to 2021, he and Derek Carr led the Raiders to great success.  Carr had pass completion rates of 68.9%, 70.4%, 67.3%, and 68.4%, along with four straight seasons passing over 4,000 yards.  His interceptions decreased in two of those four years.

Sep 21, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden with quarterback Derek Carr (4) before a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive strategies of Sean Payton's west-coast style offense in New Orleans share similarities with Gruden's approach.  Notably, Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has worked with this system in New Orleans since he arrived in 2006.  So, why would the team need Jon Gruden to help with offensive installations?

Another matter centers around Gruden's legal issues with the National Football League after a report published by the New York Times forced him to resign in 2021.  The published article alleged Gruden used racist, anti-LGBTQ, and misogynistic language in emails sent to several NFL executives, coaches, and personnel.  Hence, why would the Saints organization associate with Jon Gruden amid his legal entanglements?

Whereas his standing with the league may still be murky, Dennis Allen and Mickey Loomis firmly believe in Jon Gruden to help with the team's offensive system and strategies. Could this move be a signal for Gruden to have a more significant position with the Saints? Or will he remain only in a consultation role?

We shall see.

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