The New York Jets made a much-anticipated decision on Tuesday, firing head coach Robert Saleh after yet another disappointing loss.
Sitting at 2-3 with serious concerns, especially on the offensive side of the ball, owner Woody Johnson felt a change in leadership was needed before the season slipped too far away.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named the interim head coach. He’s a respected figure in the locker room and should provide an instant spark to the team.
However, it’s unlikely that Ulbrich will be the long-term answer at head coach.
While we still have an entire season to play, Jets fans are speculating about who their permanent head coach will ultimately be.
Unsurprisingly, there has been plenty of speculation of Gang Green hiring former arch-nemesis Bill Belichick
Belichick, widely regarded as the greatest coach in NFL history, has indeed been linked with the Jets (permanent) head coaching vacancy.
Interestingly, Belichick had high praise for the Jets earlier this season is fueling speculation that he could be a potential candidate to replace Saleh.
Before the season, Belichick spoke highly of the Jets, noting their Super Bowl potential and strong roster.
“The Jets are one of the hardest teams to prepare for from a skill standpoint because of Breece Hall. Outstanding running back that has the ability to take the ball the distance. He’s very good in the passing game.”
Belichick went on to highlight the complexity of facing the Jets offense, mentioning the challenge of defending both Hall and the team’s star wide receiver, Garrett Wilson.
“Defensively you want to do everything you can to get the ball out of his hands and load the box. The problem is, if you load the box, you’re singled out there on Wilson, and that’s a tall order.”
Most importantly, Belichick has always been very open about his love and respect for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“Aaron knows how to use them and Aaron will know where the defense is heavy and where they’re light and be able to work the ball there,” he said.
“They just need to solidify the consistency of the offensive line, but on paper I think they have a good offense, and they’re hard to defend with a good quarterback, a great wide receiver and a great running back.”
Having said all of that, and I don’t mean to rain on Jets fans’ parade, but the realistic chances of Belichick returning to the Meadowlands (at least on the Jets side) are seen as slim.
Belichick’s hatred for the Jets organization – and in particular Woody Johnson and ownership – is very well known across the league.
Diana Russini of The Athletic touched on that point during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show.
“I think we should probably put to bed the Bill Belichick to the New York Jets conversation,” Russini said. “I think it’s a fun idea. I think it’s sometimes humorous knowing the way it ended with Bill Belichick in New York. But Bill Belichick wants to work for a really good owner, and I don’t believe that he thinks Woody Johnson is.”
Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston agreed and pinpointed the Dallas Cowboys as the most likely destination for Belichick.
“I wholeheartedly agree the Cowboys would be the most fascinating (destination for Belichick),” Curran said. “When we talk about the Jets, he’s never gonna work for an owner who’s a boob like that. Never. Jerry Jones has the capacity for boobery, but he’s a respected individual. Woody Johnson is not a respected individual.
“He walked away from the Jets and Woody Johnson 24 years ago. He’s not going back to that organization, and I think he loathes them to the very marrow of his being … But the Cowboys would be fun.”
What are your thoughts on the whole situation? … Do you think there’s at least a slight chance that Belichick would be open to the Jets job?
At the end of the day, who will be the next Jets (permanent) head coach? … Will it be Mike Vrabel???