St. Louis Rams: 5 Reasons Why Jon Gruden Will Be the Rams Next Head Coach

The smart money is on Jon Gruden to be the St. Louis Rams' next head football coach. At least that is what several reputable media outlets are reporting.

Gruden, the colorful and entertaining ESPN analyst, is reported to have a strong interest in leaving the broadcast booth in favor of the sidelines for 2012.

The St. Louis Rams are a very attractive job for several reasons. Today, I'm going to give you the top five reasons why the Rams' job will lure Gruden back into coaching.

Reason 1: Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford was the No. 1 overall pick in 2010 by the Rams, and he promptly went out and became the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Bradford is considered by many talent evaluators to be an elite QB prospect, the kind of young QB that could elevate himself into the Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, or Aaron Rodgers stratosphere.

Having that type of QB in place—as opposed to drafting a young QB—is the kind of situation that attracts a quality coach.

Reason 2: The Rams Will Be Picking First in This Draft

While the Rams do have Bradford, they will also be picking first in the draft. That leads to the inevitable "Andrew Luck or Bradford" debate, should this scenario unfold.

I've already discussed the six scenarios facing the Rams in this draft. However, the introduction of Gruden introduces a seventh possibility: Robert Griffin III.

When the Rams played on Monday Night Football, Gruden couldn't help but reveal his man-crush on RG3. If the Rams do land the No. 1 overall pick, and they will, can you imagine the bedlam that would ensue if the Rams traded Bradford and the No. 1 pick?

I know it sounds crazy, but it just might happen.

I've gone on the record as saying I'm in favor of keeping Bradford no matter what, but if the Rams could trade Bradford for multiple picks, then trade the No. 1 overall pick for multiple picks, that would have the Rams reloaded and on the road to respectability in a hurry.

Of course, all of this hinges on RG3 actually being a franchise QB, and of course, on whatever GM the Rams hire being competent enough to make those picks matter.

Speaking of the GM...

Reason 3: A.J. Smith Is the Rams' New Target For GM

There is no doubt in my mind that Rams' GM Billy Devaney is going to be fired at the end of the season. When that happens, the Rams are reportedly ready to pounce on San Diego Chargers GM A.J. Smith, should the Chargers let him go after the season ends.

Smith and Gruden have a good relationship, and Smith's hire could signal the eventual arrival of Gruden in St. Louis. If this happens, it would be a tremendous upgrade over the Devaney/Spagnulo duo that currently resides at Rams Park.

I actually have mixed feelings on Smith, who has made some questionable moves in San Diego. However, finding a proven talent evaluator would be an upgrade for the Rams.

Reason 4: Young Talent On Defense

The Rams have some serious young talent on defense, especially in the front seven.

Chris Long is a beast at defensive end. Robert Quinn looks like he could be a similar, if not better, player on the other side. James Lauranaitis is one of the best young middle linebackers in the NFL.

Throw in second-year safety Darian Stewart, along with young veteran players Chris Bannan, Quintin Mickell and Ron Bartell, and the Rams are a few moves away from having an elite defense in the NFL.

Reason 5: The Rams Will Play In an Elite Stadium

With all the "Will the Rams Move to LA" talk out there, I'm sure Gruden is well aware the Rams are facing one of two inevitable possibilities:

1) St. Louis will upgrade the Rams' current stadium to the point that it is one of the better venues in the NFL, or...

2) The Rams will get out of their lease, and this could open up a move to Los Angeles.

Either way, playing in a great stadium with a franchise QB in place, owning a terrific young defense, having a boatload of picks to play with and a competent GM making the picks, you can see why the Rams' position is a terrific situation for any coach looking for a job.

There is no doubt in my mind that Jon Gruden is interested, and it wouldn't shock me at all to see him as the next coach of the St. Louis Rams.