I don't think Ryan or Gruden come coach here TBH...I think you need a coach with a lot of innovative ideas, some daring & who can schematically win you a few games. Smitty is a good guy & has tried hard, but anytime a coach has run out of ideas like Smitty has it's not a good look. IDK what new ideas Gruden or Rex would bring...I'd rather get a Kevin Sumlin type coach with a fresh approach to come here.
Gruden is an offensive wiz who made the likes of Brad Johnson and Rich Gannon into formidable QBs. That's talent. Matt Ryan would be as difficult a task, and with the offensive weapons at Gruden's disposal, you're looking at a return to a top 5 offense in the league.
Ryan is a defensive wiz, just not head coach material. Even with that sorry-ass GM, it's making lemonade out of lemons there.
I hear you on Sumlin and a need for a fresh approach, but not sure if he's ready to make the jump to the NFL. Texas A&M ain't looking all that right now either.
I'm thinking Arthur Blank is in win-now mode and will go after the most qualified to get him there. After Petrino, I doubt if he takes a chance on another college coach.