Jets coach Robert Saleh didn’t reveal a lot about what he was on the lookout for in his subsequent offensive coordinator when he introduced final week that the workforce had moved on from Mike LaFleur — however he did make one small promise.
“We’re casting a large web,” Saleh mentioned.
Saleh has been true to his phrase. Every week into the seek for LaFleur’s alternative, there are 5 identified candidates that the Jets have spoken to and there’s no frequent theme amongst them. Some are skilled play-callers. Others are first-timers. Some have a historical past with Saleh. Others don’t have any connection to him. They arrive from completely different offensive backgrounds, run completely different methods and have completely different ranges of teaching expertise.
“I’m not on the lookout for a selected scheme, per se,” Saleh mentioned. “There’s numerous issues that I’m going to be taught over the subsequent month and I simply wish to be sure we do all the pieces we will. There’s a philosophical match that we’re on the lookout for in addition to an understanding of what we’re making an attempt to get carried out and easy methods to make the most of our gamers, quarterback clearly goes to be a giant a part of it.”
Right here is an outline of what we all know up to now:
The candidates
The Jets spoke to former Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett on Wednesday, in line with a supply. In addition they have talked to former Colts offensive coordinator Marcus Brady, Eagles passing sport coordinator Kevin Patullo, Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson and Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley.
There isn’t any frequent thread amongst these candidates. Hackett and Brady are skilled offensive coordinators, though Brady was not the first play-caller in Indianapolis. Patullo, Johnson and Caley would all be first-time coordinators.
Hackett has probably the most expertise. He was the offensive coordinator for the Jaguars from 2016-18 and the Packers from 2019-21 earlier than turning into the top coach in Denver this yr. Issues went terribly for him with the Broncos. He was fired after simply 15 video games and the workforce at 4-11. He had many sport administration points and he couldn’t get Russell Wilson and the offense on observe. If the Jets employed Hackett, there could be loads of grumbling from followers. He additionally carries baggage with Jets followers due to his father, Paul, who served as a really unpopular offensive coordinator from 2001-04 with Gang Inexperienced. None of that ought to matter if the Jets really feel he’s the appropriate man, however the group typically worries how strikes like this will likely be perceived.
It will be attention-grabbing if the Jets went the younger, unproven route. It felt like that was the difficulty with LaFleur, who was a coordinator for the primary time. He was studying on the job and typically that confirmed.
The Jets are nonetheless contemplating different candidates. One attention-grabbing title that hit the market on Thursday was Greg Roman, who’s leaving the Ravens. Jets followers who’re already dreaming of Lamar Jackson coming to their workforce can now hope his offensive coordinator comes, too.
Will they’ve a tough time hiring somebody?
The information that Dolphins quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell turned down the chance to interview with the Jets reveals that this job just isn’t for everybody. The Jets are going to have a tough time touchdown somebody who has choices. Some Jets followers have been dreaming of Frank Reich. He would appear to have significantly better choices even when he doesn’t get a head-coaching job.
That being mentioned, there are solely 32 of those jobs. Somebody will need the Jets job.
There are presently eight groups who’ve offensive coordinator openings, plus 5 others who’re hiring a brand new head coach and will rent a brand new OC as nicely — Jets, Patriots, Commanders, Rams, Chargers, Titans, Buccaneers, Ravens are within the OC-only class and the Cardinals, Colts, Broncos, Panthers and Texans are hiring head coaches.
There are enticing issues concerning the Jets’ job, like an excellent protection along with some high quality younger gamers like Garrett Wilson, Breece Corridor and Alijah Vera-Tucker.
However there are two main questions for candidates. Saleh is getting into his third season and it may very well be a playoffs-or-bust season for him. There may be higher job safety with different groups who’re both hiring a brand new head coach or have a longtime one.
The second challenge is quarterback. Proper now, the Jets don’t have one. Certain, you’ll be able to inform a candidate that you’re going to pursue a sure quarterback through commerce or in free company however there is no such thing as a assure. Different groups both have a quarterback in place (Chargers anybody?) or have a excessive sufficient draft choose to take one. The Jets are in no-man’s land on the place in the meanwhile. Zach Wilson is the one quarterback beneath contract and he’s going to be a challenge for the subsequent OC to attempt to repair whereas additionally profitable video games with a quarterback to be named later.
Saleh has not set a timeline for the rent. He talked about studying factor over the subsequent month when he spoke to the media, so he might take his time. The teaching carousel has been gradual up to now with no new hires but at coordinator or head coach. Normally, issues velocity up after the divisional spherical of the playoffs. The sport of musical chairs will likely be quick and we’ll see what the Jets are left with.
