When Might Jay Gruden Be Fired During the 2019 NFL Season?

The current state of the Washington Redskins under head coach Jay Gruden is a subject of much speculation. Daniel Snyder, the team owner, has been known for his impatience in previous seasons, but the recent performance of the team suggests a different approach this time around.

Owner Daniel Snyder's Behavior and Patience

Despite the team's struggles, Snyder has shown a marked increase in patience compared to past seasons. However, the league analyst's observation of Snyder's behavior is still as unpredictable as a four-year-old. While Snyder may seem unpredictable, there are discernible trends in his actions.

The Deeper Issues Beyond Coaching

While the poor play, especially in the secondary, is undeniable, the problem runs far deeper than just the coaching. As the analyst notes, no coach can single-handedly address these systemic issues. The performance issues likely stem from beyond the coach's control, such as team culture, player motivation, and strategic deficiencies.

The Fractures in Team Motivation

One of the most damaging factors observed is a lack of team motivation. When a team gets beaten down severely, players often lose their desire to continue. They may be acting disinterested or merely auditioning for next year's roster. This lack of motivation can be long-lasting and detrimental to the team's future.

Analyze the Coach's Performance

Although Gruden has not been a perfect coach, it is not evident that he lacks the ability to make the necessary adjustments in time to save the season. However, the challenges he faces seem insurmountable within the current timeframe. The team's dismal performance does not suggest that a new coach would be a silver bullet for fixing their problems at this stage.

Seasonal Analysis and Potential Firing Date

The current season is effectively over. The team's performance suggests that firing Gruden early might not yield substantial benefits. If the team were to win against the Dolphins, Snyder might feel compelled to retain Gruden as a surprise. However, such speculation would be random as there are no concrete indications of such an outcome.

Mentally, Daniel Snyder may be at his breaking point following a loss to a historically bad team like the Dolphins. This defeat could push him to take action that he previously held back from, leading to the firing of Gruden almost immediately after the game.

The Timing of the Fire

My prediction is that Gruden's head will be the first to go on Black Monday after Week 17. Without any hope for improvement, further losses will not yield any positive outcomes. In this way, the team stands to benefit from a fresh start with a new coach in the offseason.

Conclusion

While the analyst’s prediction about when Gruden might be fired is speculative, the underlying issues suggest that his tenure might be short-lived. The best course of action for the Redskins would be to keep Gruden for the remaining season to avoid further embarrassment and then make a decisive change in the off-season. Given the current trend, Black Monday after Week 17 appears to be the most likely time for Snyder to act.