The Las Vegas Raiders are yet to taste playoffs since Jon Gruden returned to the franchise as a head coach on a massive 10-year, $100 million contract in 2018. Still, the lack of success doesn’t seem to be bothering Gruden all that much.
Speaking with Las Vegas Review-Journal, Gruden said that he doesn’t feel pressure to make the postseason in 2021 and will let Raiders owner Mark Davis tell him if he’s doing a good job.
“I don’t really feel pressure,” Gruden told reporter Vinny Bonsignore. “Mark Davis is going to let me know if it’s good enough or not. And I know what’s good and what isn’t. I’m 58 years old now, and I’m not working any less than I did when I was 38.”
However, Gruden is aware the 19-29 record he posted with the Raiders in the past three years isn’t meeting expectations.
“So I’m doing the best I can. I’m proud of the results we have gotten, but also realistic. I know what’s at stake. But I’m not going to worry about it,” he added.
The Raiders have undoubtedly made some positive progression since hiring Jon Gruden. Quarterback Derek Carr especially benefited from his arrival, posting career numbers and improving his stats each year. However, the defense remains a big issue and it is unclear whether Gruden can make the necessary adjustments to pave the way for the Raiders’ return to the playoffs.
Gruden had his first stint with the Raiders between 1998 and 2001. He posted a 38-26 record in the regular season and led the team to two postseason trips that included AFC Championship Game appearance in 2000.
