The New York Jets are currently navigating one of the most exhaustive head coach searches in recent NFL history, with 18 known candidates either interviewed or scheduled for an interview as of this writing. This extensive search is indicative of the Jets’ attempt to cast a wide net in order to gather as much information as possible before making what could be one of the most consequential coaching hires in the franchise’s long history. This strategy may seem logical on the surface, but not everyone agrees that it is the right approach.
There are those who believe that the Jets’ broad list of candidates, which lacks clear inspiration, is indicative of deeper issues within the organization, particularly when it comes to the team’s owner, Woody Johnson. Some argue that Johnson’s involvement is a major obstacle in the Jets’ pursuit of a high-caliber head coach, and this has sparked widespread skepticism regarding the team’s hiring process.
In a detailed analysis for The Athletic, Mike Sando explored all the open head coach positions around the NFL and concluded that the Jets’ vacancy is considered the “toughest job” in the league. According to Sando, a significant factor in this negative perception is the presence of Woody Johnson. His role in the Jets’ current dysfunction has certainly contributed to the challenges they face in attracting top coaching talent.
Several NFL executives and analysts have expressed concerns over how the Jets have conducted their search this offseason. One league executive was quoted saying, “I don’t know what you do for the Jets,” adding, “I’m not sure they know either.” This sentiment speaks to the confusion and lack of direction surrounding the Jets’ coaching search. Despite having interviewed as many as 18 candidates for their head coach position, the Jets have not yet progressed to a second interview with any candidate. This stands in stark contrast to other teams, many of which have already wrapped up their interview processes and made hires. The Jets have also yet to conduct second-round interviews for their general manager role, highlighting an ongoing sense of indecision within the organization.
Sando delved deeper into why the Jets’ head coach position has become such a difficult sell to prospective candidates. He noted that the combination of an “impulsive owner” and the pressures of an “unforgiving, relentless media market” has made the Jets’ situation particularly unattractive. But the issues go beyond just ownership and the media. The next head coach will inherit a team with a challenging salary cap situation and no clear solution at the quarterback position, an issue that has plagued the franchise for years. The once-promising idea of bringing in Aaron Rodgers to stabilize the position has now become more of a hindrance than a help, further complicating the Jets’ future plans.
Moreover, the decision to outsource the hiring process to The 33rd Team, a consulting group led by former NFL general managers Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman, has raised eyebrows across the league. Some insiders are skeptical of the arrangement, wondering whether Tannenbaum and Spielman may eventually assume advisory or mentor roles, potentially undermining the autonomy of a new general manager. This further contributes to the perception that the Jets are not fully in control of their own destiny.
Woody Johnson has faced significant criticism in recent years for his handling of the franchise. Reports have surfaced about him stripping power from key decision-makers, rumors about his son’s involvement in official team meetings, and even decisions allegedly being made based on Madden video game ratings. These stories have only added to Johnson’s already less-than-stellar reputation around the league. While some might argue that ownership is not the only factor influencing the Jets’ hiring difficulties, it is hard to ignore how Johnson’s actions have contributed to the team’s current state of dysfunction.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the Jets will successfully secure one of their top head coaching candidates, such as Aaron Glenn or Brian Flores. However, one thing is certain: Woody Johnson’s role in the Jets’ ongoing struggles is undeniable. Until the franchise can address the underlying issues with its ownership and organizational structure, it seems likely that the Jets’ coaching search will continue to be a difficult and frustrating process.
