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After compiling a semi-impressive 87-57 record over nine seasons coaching in the Arena Football League and one in the United Football League, Jay Gruden finally got the call to become the head coach of the Washington D.C. NFL team in 2014.
Things started out a little rough, as would be expected for a first time NFL head coach, as Washington went 4-12 in year one of the Jay Gruden era.
In year two, however, Gruden and Washington seemed to have turned the corner, finishing 9-7 and winning the NFC East.
Unfortunately for both parties, that was the high water mark as the team has since racked up three straight third place finishes in the East, going a combined 22-25-1.
Oh yeah, Gruden has also had to deal with notorious team owner/meddler/bad decision-maker Dan Snyder for more than five years now.
All of which might explain why Gruden looked like someone murdered his puppy in the annual coaches’ photo at the NFL’s league meeting in Phoenix.
NFL Head Coaches take their annual photo. Bill Belichick actually showed up.
Not pictured: Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin, Pete Carroll, Bruce Arians, Sean Payton and Adam Gase. pic.twitter.com/5SusJAo70o
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 25, 2019
Wow. The Hoodie actually showed up!
Now let’s zoom in on Gruden.
Jay Gruden in 2014 vs Jay Gruden in 2019 is evidence that working for Dan Snyder really kills your soul pic.twitter.com/LLmGP4IZ5m
— Chris DeLisi (@cd3lisi) March 25, 2019
Whatever Jay Gruden just realized, it wasn’t good. pic.twitter.com/drf98qfWwP
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) March 25, 2019
Jay Gruden on the far right looks like he is about to lose his lunch...
— Luke (@Luke_Contreras5) March 25, 2019
Jay Gruden looks like he wishes he was anywhere but there.
— Koala Joe (@bl12joe) March 25, 2019
Jay Gruden u alright buddy? https://t.co/LYEuMocHCx
— Clark W. Griswold (@Flo_Seidon) March 25, 2019
Not sure what but something is going on with Jay Gruden...
— elver Gotas (@piefan83) March 25, 2019
Is Jay Gruden ok?? https://t.co/ZUyYnAXlcN
— CB (@its_carol31) March 25, 2019
Jay Gruden got that “Case Keenum’s my current starter” look on his face pic.twitter.com/aidnYS7GaD
— Brooks Austin (@BrooksAustinBA) March 26, 2019
Gruden’s explanation?
According to Kimberly Jones, he said, “I was preparing to smile and no one said 1, 2, 3 go.”
Right…
I think this is probably a more logical explanation…
Jay Gruden has reportedly been left in the dark on all of the Redskins' free agency decisions. https://t.co/oX63Q7SVja pic.twitter.com/RVSkrv7fLL
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) March 18, 2019
Meanwhile, as you zoom in on Gruden in the photo, just keep on zooming because if you do you’ll notice a woman in the background photobombing the whole session, and it looks like she might be up to no good.
What exactly is she doing with her top? Asking for a friend.