The NFL playoffs are still underway, and the New York Jets have wasted no time in making changes after a very disappointing 8-8 season. Head coach Rex Ryan said last summer that there only goal was the Super Bowl, and that didn’t happen. The Jets didn’t even make the playoffs.
Here are some of the changes the Jets have made already in this very young off season. The Jets have parted with three coaches, most notably offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has left the team. He has been replaced by former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano. Defense line assistant coach Jeff Weeks and wide receiver coach Henry Ellard are also out.
Along with the coaching changes, there has been some conflict within the team as to the future of starting quarterback Mark Sanchez. Some “unnamed” players have called out Sanchez, calling him lazy and not a leader. Rumors of Peyton Manning coming to the Jets were cast about in the media (although they seem to be total speculation, they further stirred the pot).
This caused a big riff as other players rushed to his defense, led by the offensive line, who is used to protecting Sanchez on the field. All Pro center Nick Mangold was one that came to Sanchez’s defense, saying, “He works as hard as anybody. If you can’t put your name to a statement you made, it means nothing.” Offensive lineman Matt Slauson also defended Sanchez, saying, “He is our leader and works harder than anybody on the team.”
One thing is for sure – it’s never dull in Jets Land.
