Fixing The Jets Must Start With Leadership

The New York Jets are in the midst of arguably their most disappointing season in franchise history. Getting back future hall of fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers from a season ending injury the previous year was supposed to wipe away years of frustration but this season has only added to the list. No matter what they've done, from changing coaches to trading for Davante Adams, nothing has worked. With three weeks until the season's conclusion, here's how the Jets can do to fix it. 

​While the best case scenario would be for owner Woody Johnson to sell the team, that is unlikely to happen. However, he can at least hire people who are capable of changing the culture. The first smart move is hiring a general manager who has a vision for the entire team. That general manager must get players who can fill in needs while maintaining strengths of the team. While acquiring star talent helps, they really just need guys who can install a winning mindset. DJ Reed and CJ Mosley are two examples of free agent signings who fit this criteria. 

For the draft, getting contributors in the later rounds is also a necessity. Joe Douglas did hit on some first round picks, but his only successful pick after the second round was cornerback Michael Carter. That’s a stark contrast compared to the Lions who have drafted multiple starters in the third round and beyond. 

In addition to the general manager, the Jets also need to hire the right head coach. A good coach can create a culture that will benefit the team on game days. There have certainly been disappointing players on the Jets, but it’s reasonable to believe that with all the talent, a better coaching staff would have them in the thick of the playoff picture. Slow starts, poor clock management, and penalties have caused the Jets to go 0-7 in games decided by six or less points. 

John Dorsey should be at the top of the list. He was the original architect of the Chiefs’ dynasty and helped set the Browns up to make the playoffs in 2020 and 2023. Right now he has been a voice upstairs for the Lions as their Senior Personnel Executive. 

There are also a few assistant general managers worth looking at. Ray Agnew has helped engineer major turnarounds with the Rams and Lions, while Mike Borgonzi helped reload the Chiefs roster en route to two Super Bowl Championships.

For the head coaching search, the Jets need someone who will stay true to his approach even if it doesn’t initially work out. Dan Campbell, for instance, didn’t win a game for the Detroit Lions his first season until December. However, he never lost sight of his philosophy and now the Lions have the league’s best record. 

In order to win games, whoever the new coach is will have to convince some of the team’s young talent to stay. Many players such as Wilson, Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall, and Jermaine Johnson will have expiring contracts. At this rate, it’s hard for the Jets to convince them that better days are ahead with the continuous losing. Those are foundational pieces who a coach would want to build a team around.

Mike Vrabel should be at the top of the list. His success with the Titans makes him appealing, but it’s his emphasis on accountability and toughness that can set a new tone for the team right away. 

Brian Flores is another veteran who won in his previous stop. Despite never making the playoffs with the Dolphins, his 24-17 career record after starting 0-8 his first year deserves attention. Whether he has changed following his harsh treatment of Tua Tagovailoa must be monitored. 

Former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is also an intriguing option. He is 73, but if he’s interested in returning, the Jets should try to get him. Carroll gives them a Super Bowl-winning head coach, which they haven’t had since Bill Parcells. Other intriguing options do involve Lions assistants Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn though it would be risky for the Jets to turn to another unproven head coach. 

The Jets don’t have to look far to see what a good hire can do. The Chargers always had the reputation for finding new ways to lose but head coach Jim Harbaugh now has them as the front runners for a wild card spot. 

Even though it’s another sport the Jets can also look in local papers at how the Knicks turned from a laughingstock into contenders once they had the right leadership in place. It’s not like the new regime won’t have a good roster to work with either, as this roster has players capable of snapping the playoff drought. With the right hires, maybe Jet fans will be discussing the playoffs rather than draft picks.