Jon Gruden and Reggie McKenzie’s relationship
From the very moment that Jon Gruden signed on the dotted line to a 10 year $100 million contract, he was officially the man in charge. The man that has final say on every single thing that goes on in the franchise. These two sold us a dream scenario that they can coexist with each other and work well, but that’s probably the biggest lie they have told thus far.
To think that Gruden even respects McKenzie’s opinion or analysis is naive. Gruden has ran a bus over Reggie so many times this year that the only option left is to just steam roll him.
Had Gruden actually taken any of McKenzie’s takes into consideration the Oakland Raiders would probably be in a better state. I’m not saying they’d be dramatically better, but the idiotic trades for Martavis Bryant and AJ McCarron certainly wouldn’t have come at a great cost.
The thing to look for when it comes to the relationship of these two isn’t if they will be able to grow strong together, but when the relationship will finally end. As in, when Reggie McKenzie will finally be fired because there is no way he’ll resign since he’s getting paid top dollar to be an irrelevant assistant.
I’ve always liked Reggie, despite some of the last few poor drafts. He needs to be let go, so that Gruden can hire a general manager that he actually respects. He needs someone’s voice that he’ll actually take into consideration. That way Gruden can be kept in check on some moves he wants to execute. If Gruden continues his despotism, then the Oakland Raiders will never be great. Head coaches never work out as great general managers.
They’re too impatient and irrational. With a general manager that Gruden has a solid relationship with, the Raiders will have a chance to avoid a lot of self-inflicting transactions. That way they won’t have to give up a second round pick when they’re already trading away Khalil Mack.
The only question is who is out there that can be a general manager to coexist with Jon Gruden? The jury’s out on that one. Hopefully there is someone out there that fits the description. If not, this team is going to be in a world of hurt. They need to install some checks and balances for Gruden or this team is going to stay derailed.