Gronk’s Bold Pick: Jon Gruden as Aaron Rodgers’ Perfect Coach

In the world of football, where surprises come as often as touchdowns, Rob Gronkowski’s recent suggestion for Aaron Rodgers’ ideal head coach has stirred quite the conversation. Gronk, never one to shy away from a bold opinion, has thrown an unexpected name into the mix: Jon Gruden.

During an appearance on Up & Adams with host Rachel Adams on Wednesday, the legendary tight end shared his thoughts on the perfect coaching match for Rodgers. With the New York Jets facing one of their most challenging seasons in recent history, Adams asked Gronkowski a question that Jets fans might find themselves pondering daily:

“If you could pick—not team even—but the coach in the NFL who would work best with Aaron Rodgers, who’s that coach?”

Gronk, with his characteristic enthusiasm, didn’t hesitate.

“I would say Jon Gruden. Jon Gruden could be a good choice,” he replied, referring to the former Super Bowl-winning coach and, more recently, a Barstool Sports personality.

Gronkowski went on to explain his reasoning, painting a vivid picture of why he believes Gruden would mesh well with Rodgers.

“He brings that passion. He just loves the game of football—loves the energy football brings to the table,” Gronk said. “Jon Gruden loves a nice, solid quarterback, no doubt about it. That would be the fit, no doubt about it. That’s how Aaron Rodgers stays with the Jets: he has to have a coach and GM that want him there.”

Gronk’s suggestion might sound like a shot in the dark, but it also hints at his knack for stirring up conversation. While the idea of Rodgers teaming up with a coach like Gruden is intriguing, the reality is far more complicated.

Could Gruden Be the Answer?

Jon Gruden’s career is both storied and controversial. Best known for leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2002, Gruden’s reputation as a passionate, football-obsessed coach is well-earned. But his legacy took a dramatic turn when he resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.

Gruden’s departure followed a scandal involving leaked emails containing offensive language that shocked the NFL community. His emails, which surfaced in reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post, included misogynistic, racist, and anti-gay remarks. The fallout was swift, leading to his resignation and a lawsuit against the NFL, in which Gruden accused the league of leaking the emails to force him out.

Now, three years removed from coaching, Gruden has pivoted into a new role with Barstool Sports. Despite this shift, it’s clear he hasn’t left the world of football behind. His commentary and social media presence suggest a coach still deeply connected to the game, even if he hasn’t managed a winning season since 2008.

Would Gruden want another shot at coaching in the NFL? It’s possible. And according to Gronk, pairing him with Rodgers could spark something special.

“But if you get a guy like Jon Gruden, that would be pretty special to have him team up with Aaron Rodgers,” Gronkowski said.

The Jets’ Season of Turmoil

For the New York Jets, the 2024 season has been nothing short of a disaster. Following the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, the team is now 3-8. Aaron Rodgers, who was supposed to be the franchise savior, is having one of the worst statistical seasons of his career, with a quarterback rating of 88.9—his lowest as a starter.

In September, reports emerged that Jets owner Woody Johnson had even suggested benching the four-time MVP. It’s a stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded Rodgers’ arrival in New York just months ago.

The Jets are facing a crossroads. With the draft approaching, they’ll likely select a new quarterback while searching for a head coach and general manager to rebuild the team from the ground up. Rodgers, who has one year left on his contract, is owed $50 million—a daunting cap hit for a team looking to start over.

Through 11 games, Rodgers has struggled to find his rhythm, throwing for 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 63.4% of his passes. An Achilles injury has further hampered his mobility, raising doubts about his future not just with the Jets but in the NFL as a whole.

A Wild “What If”

Gronkowski’s suggestion of pairing Rodgers with Gruden is fascinating, if unconventional. Gruden’s fiery personality and love for the game could, in theory, bring a spark to Rodgers and the Jets. But the baggage Gruden carries, coupled with the Jets’ need for stability, makes such a move unlikely.

Still, imagining a Rodgers-Gruden partnership is a fun exercise in “what if.” With Gruden’s passion for quarterbacks and Rodgers’ unmatched skill, it’s easy to see why Gronk considers this a dream pairing. Whether it’s realistic or not, one thing is clear: the Jets are in desperate need of answers.

For now, all we have is speculation—and a bit of Gronk’s signature flair to keep the conversation going.