Jets Chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson addressed the media on Monday after the firing of head coach Adam Gase and actually made comments that seem...reasonable.
#Jets CEO Christopher Johnson on what he's looking for in a new head coach:
— Ethan Greenberg (@EGreenbergJets) January 4, 2021
"Someone who can lead and develop our young team. Someone who can assemble a talented coaching staff. They do not have to be offensive or defensive specific."
Jets CEO Christoper Johnson said the coaching search is going to be "a broad and deep search."
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) January 4, 2021
Johnson said they are considering a change in the organizational structure of whether to have the HC report to the GM rather than have them equals. #nyj
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) January 4, 2021
Johnson on the search: "This is a broad and deep search." He said the team will take its time, and "get it right," while also being mindful that they're competing against other teams trying to find a head coach. #Jets
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) January 4, 2021
Johnson says interviews will start very shortly remotely. Hopes to get through remote interviews quickly. Whole process could take a few weeks or it could be quick. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 4, 2021
More from Johnson on the search: "Joe Douglas will be taking lead on this. While it's a collaborative effort, his opinion will be taken most seriously."
— Ethan Greenberg (@EGreenbergJets) January 4, 2021
Christopher Johnson wouldn't get into why it didn't work out with Gase. "It clearly didn’t work out. We’re going to look forward to a different kind of coach with this next hire. " #Jets
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) January 4, 2021
Johnson says uncertain when Woody is returning from UK. Christopher says he will maintain significant role in organization when brother returns. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 4, 2021
Johnson mentions draft capital and cap room as reasons for optimism, and "we have Joe leading the charge." A "really good landing spot for a coach." #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 4, 2021
Johnson said the Jets are looking for a CEO type coach, someone who "coaches the entire team." He called that "very important" in this process.
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) January 4, 2021
Christopher Johnson on Darnold: "I don't think the book has been written on Sam. I think he has a big future. And I personally hope it's on this team, I told him that." But Johnson adds that the decision will be up to Joe Douglas and the new coach.
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) January 4, 2021
The Jets haven’t made the Playoffs in a decade, and Johnson’s tenure as CEO has been disastrous. With this in mind, it’s going to take more than a few words for anybody to feel better about this team. We need to results.
That said, these comments strike a different chord than those we have heard in past press conference. Two years ago the Jets were fixated on hiring a head coach with an offensive background. This time it sounds like they will be open to the right candidate. The potential change to the organization’s structure is also noteworthy. Plenty of successful teams have the Jets’ current arrangement where the head coach and general manager both report directly to the owner, but it doesn’t fit this particular ownership group well. That adjustment would be a welcome development.