Jets UpdateAmong the candidates the Jets interviewed for their head coaching job, I believe that Rex Ryan was the best fit.
Nevertheless, I have my doubts about Ryan. More top coordinators fail as head coaches than succeed.
Early reports are that the Jets will keep Brian Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator. If Ryan was forced to do so by Woody Johnson and Mike Tannenbaum, it would be a foolish move.
While there is some benefit in keeping Schottenhimer - the offensive system would stay mostly intact - there are plenty of good offensive minds that could be obtained to replace him. Ryan, as head coach, should be able to pick whom he wants on his staff.
If the Jets were so intent on keeping Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator, I believe they should have hired his dad, Marty Schottenheimer as head coach. I'm well aware of Schottenheimer's history of failing in the playoffs. But he coached a 14-2 team two years ago, and the Chargers did not play poorly in their playoff loss to New England.
Ultimately, it seems unfair that Tannenbaum and Schottenheimer get to stay, with Eric Mangini taking the fall for the 2008 collapse.
Looking toward 2009, the Jets need to decide whether one of their young quarterbacks can start in the NFL. If so, they should sign a veteran to compete with Kellen Clemens and/or Brett Ratliff for the QB position. Byron Leftwich, Kerry Collins, Jeff Garcia and David Carr will be free agents and the Jets should sign one of them. If not, they will need to draft a quarterback in the first or second round.
Finally, the Cardinals' playoff ascension is indicative of what can happen if a team peaks at the right time and catches some breaks. The #4 seeded Cards, who the Jets crushed in week 4 and who were 8-7 a few weeks ago, were very lucky to be home for the NFC Championship game. Even jaded Jets fans could not have expected that Arizona would be playing in the Super Bowl, while the Jets have completed their 40th consecutive season without a trip.
posted on 1/19/2009
