Jets right to take their time on GM

[Claymation]

Cimini: Jets right to take their time on GM
The New York Jets are taking a Ground & Pound approach to their search for a new general manager -- slow and deliberate. There's nothing wrong with that, as long they don't pull a Tony Sparano and play for a field goal. Or, worse, suffer a Butt Fumble.

During their 11 days without a GM, the Jets have reached out to no fewer than 14 prospective candidates, at least seven of whom already have interviewed for the job. To use a pet phrase from former GM Mike Tannenbaum, they're exercising due diligence. They're looking under every rock (another Tannenbaum-ism), and that's a good thing.

The Jets, one of three teams still in the GM market, are trying hard to get this right. They've made so many bad decisions over the years and decades that you can't blame them for being thorough. It's not like they've missed out on any megastar GM prospects.

What about Dave Caldwell, the former Falcons executive? The Jets liked him a lot, but he was just another name in the crowd until Thursday, when, in his first news conference as the Jaguars' GM (perhaps the first of his life), he told Jaguar Nation and the world that he wanted no part of Tim Tebow. Instant headline.

The Jets being the Jets, there's always the possibility they could turn this search into a circus. For now, let's cut them a little slack as we wait for owner Woody Johnson, president Neil Glat and their headhunter pal, Jed Hughes, to make a decision.

Under Johnson's ownership, the Jets have been a keep-it-in-the-family kind of organization, but now is the time to go outside the family and seek a fresh approach. They're doing that -- or at least trying to.

Let's dig a little deeper and examine some trends and myths that have developed during the Jets' search:

The Rex Factor: Johnson announced that Rex Ryan isn't going anywhere, and some people think the keep-Rex mandate is scaring away potential candidates. I'm not sure about that. The GM wannabes know the ground rules before they walk in the door. The Jets made it clear that Ryan is part of the package.

The one semi-big name that spurned the Jets was Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta, but was it because of Ryan? Obviously, he knows Ryan from their time together in Baltimore, but it's hard to believe that's the reason he declined an interview. DeCosta has incentive to remain in Baltimore; he's Ozzie Newsome's heir apparent. He issued a statement the day after the season, saying he's not interested in going anywhere.

A shift in focus? It's interesting to note that, after not being blown away by any of the candidates in the first round of interviews, the Jets set up meetings with two so-called "numbers" guys -- Steelers director of football and business administration Omar Khan and Seahawks vice president of football administration John Idzik. Khan was scheduled to interview Thursday, Idzik Friday.

They both specialize in contracts and salary cap, not scouting and personnel, meaning they wouldn't be a traditional GM. The Jets started the search looking for a strong talent evaluator who could rebuild a declining roster, so it makes you wonder if they've shifted gears.

Khan's résumé is eerily similar to that of Tannenbaum. Khan is 35, attended Tulane and started out as an intern with the Saints. Tannenbaum earned a law degree from Tulane, spent some time with the Saints and was named GM at 36 after starting out as a capologist.

It would be a mistake to hire a bean-counting, big-picture guy, giving more say in personnel to Ryan. He should stick to coaching, not picking players.

Thinking outside the box -- and country: The Jets are reportedly interested in Jim Popp, the longtime GM of the CFL's Montreal Alouettes. Popp recently interviewed unsuccessfully for the Panthers' GM vacancy.

He's from North Carolina, played at Michigan State, coached at a bunch of different U.S. colleges and probably knows his stuff. But he has no NFL experience. This would be a bold hire by the Jets, probably too bold.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/stor...lecting-new-gm

[John X Doe]

Thanks for that article. The shift in focus is something to watch closely here. Rich warns correctly that this could be a sign that they want Rex more involved with player personnel if they hire strcitly a bean counter as GM. As we know, coaches tend to see short-term which can cost long-term success.

I'm hopeful we get a tandem GM team mirroring what the Steelers have done - one bean conter type devoted to contracts, cap and negotiations and one devoted to player personnel but both working in harmony and separate from the HC.

[Clarkib]

I have been reading about the CFL guy and he seems like he would be a good GM for us. I think the key is to find talent in later rounds and as rookie UFA. I would not mind him being GM as long as we get good coordinators with a specific game plan. I really want to see Rex go and I hope the new GM gets rid of him after a year. I think Rex is a good coach when things go well but he lost the team two years in a row. The giants struggled this year but they did not become a circus. Rex is an embarrassment to all things Jets.

[ccugrad1]

I have been reading about the CFL guy and he seems like he would be a good GM for us. I think the key is to find talent in later rounds and as rookie UFA. I would not mind him being GM as long as we get good coordinators with a specific game plan. I really want to see Rex go and I hope the new GM gets rid of him after a year. I think Rex is a good coach when things go well but he lost the team two years in a row. The giants struggled this year but they did not become a circus. Rex is an embarrassment to all things Jets.

That's one thing Clarkib that IMO, the Jets need to get back to doing well. Like I have said in another thread, the Redskins finding RB Alfred Morris in round 6; Seattle finding Russell Wilson in round 3; Cincinnati getting Vontaze Burfict as an UDFA. Cornerstone starters on your team that you can have "cheaply" for at least 3 years if you want. Sure, eventually you have to pay them bigger money, but for the short term, you have quality starters at cheap prices.

As for the GM aspect, I don't think the Jets are taking their time at all; I think they are getting rebuffed by the bigger name candidates because of their insistance on Rex Ryan being the head coach in 2013. Look at David Caldwell in Jacksonville-- Gets rid of Mularkey after the 2-14 campaign and is basically telling people, "Tebow will NOT be in Jacksonville in 2013." He wants his own head coach and he sees clearly Tim Tebow cannot play NFL football and wants no part of him. That is what a good GM does; he doesn't make decisions with headlines 1st before winning. Plus, as I have always believed-- Your OC, QB coach, GM get fired; your DC doesn't want to come back and ST coach retires. Explain to me how a HC survives that because if things were going well, all would want to be back, except maybe Westhoff who wanted to retire?

[Clarkib]

Plus, as I have always believed-- Your OC, QB coach, GM get fired; your DC doesn't want to come back and ST coach retires. Explain to me how a HC survives that because if things were going well, all would want to be back, except maybe Westhoff who wanted to retire?

Yeah, the Jets are the Titanic and Rex is the captain who drove them into the reef but he gets to captain a new ship.......Ridiculous. I think players would leave to if they were not under contract and free agents won't want to come to this joke of a franchise unless we over pay. Time to make this a first class franchise again by hiring a classy business orientated coach.

[John X Doe]

Yeah, the Jets are the Titanic and Rex is the captain who drove them into the reef but he gets to captain a new ship.......Ridiculous. I think players would leave to if they were not under contract and free agents won't want to come to this joke of a franchise unless we over pay. Time to make this a first class franchise again by hiring a classy business orientated coach.

That's your opinion that's unsubstantiated as far as I'm aware. I haven't seen any malice even from unnamed sources from a player towards Rex. Everyone loves Rex and his players play hard for him. He was voted by the players as the coach they would most like to play for with the votes doubling the second choice, Tomlin.

I have no idea what you mean by "business oriented" coach. And there's been no exodus of players in the 4 years he's been here that you elude to. I don't see any semblance of evidence to back your claim but that's your opinion. I firmly disagree.

[Clarkib]

I haven't seen any malice even from unnamed sources from a player towards Rex......there has been negative talk about the team from players and sources and this is Rex's team. Westoff just went off on the team today on the radio!!!!!!! This never happens to Belichic when he missed the playoffs or they get bumped in the playoff.

Everyone loves Rex and his players play hard for him......several teams have accused the Jets of quitting when they played against them. Never heard that about the Pats, Steelers, Giants. That is the kind of thing you hear about with the Cardinals, Bengals, ect.

He was voted by the players as the coach they would most like to play for......I would vote for whomever is the easiest also. The most popular teacher is the one that makes you do the least work and cracks the most jokes but they are not usually the best for the student down the road.

I have no idea what you mean by "business oriented" coach.........Not being a joke when representing the organization. Not holding on to "your guys" when they don't have it any more. It is a business, Belichic cut Lawyer Malloy and Ty Law, he did not hold on to them for big money when they could not play anymore. Bart Scott would not have started for any other team the past two years but he starts for Rex. Make a business decision that is best for the team but he is a player's coach and he cares about what the players think about him. His handling of Sanchez was unprofessional and bases on him liking Sanchez and not on his lack of production. He did not want to step on Sanchez' toes by bringing in competition over the past 3 seasons because he became attached to him after his rookie season. So much that the he got at tattoo of his wife naked with his number on her back. He wants to be one of the guys and the the leader of the guys.


there's been no exodus of players in the 4 years he's been here that you elude to.........that is because he inherited a team that was mostly under contract prior to the lockout without a lot of high priced players thanks to Mangini and his drafts. Rex was able to bring in Scott and pretty much anybody he wants then the Jets had the money to re-up guys prior to free agency and we overpaid for the ones that made it to free agency (Santonio). NOBODY took less money to stay because Rex was "cool". Like LaRon Landry said, "no home town discount". We never gave key guys a chance to leave because we were in a favorable cap situation until now.

I don't see any semblance of evidence to back your claim but that's your opinion.....it is my opinion but it is based on the above observations and soley on my perceptions of these circumstances.

[John X Doe]

I haven't seen any malice even from unnamed sources from a player towards Rex......there has been negative talk about the team from players and sources and this is Rex's team. Westoff just went off on the team today on the radio!!!!!!! This never happens to Belichic when he missed the playoffs or they get bumped in the playoff.

"We're talking about Rex, not BIll. Let's be clear on that.
As for players bashing him, name one. Until I see that ONE player, this statement is false. And it would take many to make this true on your part". Regarding Westhoff, how is this related to a player being unhappy??!! I read his statements that he didn't feel that Tebow was used correctly. Big F'ing deal.

Everyone loves Rex and his players play hard for him......several teams have accused the Jets of quitting when they played against them. Never heard that about the Pats, Steelers, Giants. That is the kind of thing you hear about with the Cardinals, Bengals, ect.

[B"]No, once again this is false. Several teams have not stated this. One player did from an opposing team. Hardly credible." [/B]

He was voted by the players as the coach they would most like to play for......I would vote for whomever is the easiest also. The most popular teacher is the one that makes you do the least work and cracks the most jokes but they are not usually the best for the student down the road.

"This statement I made is true. You can't deny that. And this totally contradicts your false claim that players want to leave. This argument is looking bad for you. Just sayin'."

I have no idea what you mean by "business oriented" coach.........Not being a joke when representing the organization. Not holding on to "your guys" when they don't have it any more. It is a business, Belichic cut Lawyer Malloy and Ty Law, he did not hold on to them for big money when they could not play anymore. Bart Scott would not have started for any other team the past two years but he starts for Rex. Make a business decision that is best for the team but he is a player's coach and he cares about what the players think about him. His handling of Sanchez was unprofessional and bases on him liking Sanchez and not on his lack of production. He did not want to step on Sanchez' toes by bringing in competition over the past 3 seasons because he became attached to him after his rookie season. So much that the he got at tattoo of his wife naked with his number on her back. He wants to be one of the guys and the the leader of the guys.


"Rex does not make player personnel moves. You need to learn this. He's a coach. He coaches a team. In no way, shape or form is he involved in ANY business aspect of the team. None."

there's been no exodus of players in the 4 years he's been here that you elude to.........that is because he inherited a team that was mostly under contract prior to the lockout without a lot of high priced players thanks to Mangini and his drafts. Rex was able to bring in Scott and pretty much anybody he wants then the Jets had the money to re-up guys prior to free agency and we overpaid for the ones that made it to free agency (Santonio). NOBODY took less money to stay because Rex was "cool". Like LaRon Landry said, "no home town discount". We never gave key guys a chance to leave because we were in a favorable cap situation until now.

[B"]There have been guys re-signed and extended on this team and I could give you tons of examples. This is another conmpletely false claim for which you provide no examples for. " [/B]

I don't see any semblance of evidence to back your claim but that's your opinion.....it is my opinion but it is based on the above observations and soley on my perceptions of these circumstances.

FYI - My replies are also in bold but with quotation marks. And for what it's worth, not every point should be made with the cop-out "that's what Bill would do". This isn't Bill.
As for the responses, I provided plenty of evidence but obviously we see two different teams here. I've given you a chance to validate your claims but IMO, you haven't done so on a single point listed here. You tend to go on hunches and wild media claims where I go with facts. Have a wonderful day.

[Clarkib]

FYI - My replies are also in bold but with quotation marks. And for what it's worth, not every point should be made with the cop-out "that's what Bill would do". This isn't Bill.
As for the responses, I provided plenty of evidence but obviously we see two different teams here. I've given you a chance to validate your claims but IMO, you haven't done so on a single point listed here. You tend to go on hunches and wild media claims where I go with facts. Have a wonderful day.

We can agree to disagree on most points and it boils down to wether or not the eye of the observer feels that Rex is a good leader of the organization. The only point that I believe you are 100% wrong about is...... "Rex does not make player personnel moves. You need to learn this. He's a coach. He coaches a team. In no way, shape or form is he involved in ANY business aspect of the team. None." .....Rex brings in his guys and only his guys. He wanted Bart Scott, then wanted us to get a Corner in Round 1 and we got Wilson. He is the one who was all over Coples at the combine with articles about how he moved closer to his work outs and then asked him to jump in the linebacker drill. His players have to be signed off on by the GM but Rex gets what he wants in the end for the most part and this roster has his finger prints all over it. Now he does get over ruled at times....Hill in the second round and possibly Tebow but I think he wanted Tebow more than we all think (he gushed about the guy in the offseason and hired a wildcat OC"). Every decision is not Rex's but most of them are. Rex is more than a coach to this organization and that is why he is the lone survivor. He did not get this power over night.

[John X Doe]

We can agree to disagree on most points and it boils down to wether or not the eye of the observer feels that Rex is a good leader of the organization. The only point that I believe you are 100% wrong about is...... "Rex does not make player personnel moves. You need to learn this. He's a coach. He coaches a team. In no way, shape or form is he involved in ANY business aspect of the team. None." .....Rex brings in his guys and only his guys. He wanted Bart Scott, then wanted us to get a Corner in Round 1 and we got Wilson. He is the one who was all over Coples at the combine with articles about how he moved closer to his work outs and then asked him to jump in the linebacker drill. His players have to be signed off on by the GM but Rex gets what he wants in the end for the most part and this roster has his finger prints all over it. Now he does get over ruled at times....Hill in the second round and possibly Tebow but I think he wanted Tebow more than we all think (he gushed about the guy in the offseason and hired a wildcat OC"). Every decision is not Rex's but most of them are. Rex is more than a coach to this organization and that is why he is the lone survivor. He did not get this power over night.

That's more speculation on your part. But that's all right.
I just don't agree he's the captain of the Titanic. But if he is, let's hope the Jets fix this with a proper chain of command alleviating his influence. He can ask for a player or two but beyond that, I don't want a coach who looks at short-term to be involved in long-term personnel decisions. I'm with you there.

[Clarkib]

That's more speculation on your part. But that's all right.
I just don't agree he's the captain of the Titanic. But if he is, let's hope the Jets fix this with a proper chain of command alleviating his influence. He can ask for a player or two but beyond that, I don't want a coach who looks at short-term to be involved in long-term personnel decisions. I'm with you there.

Lets just hope we get a GM who lets Rex coach and an OC who lets Rex focus on the team and the defense. I think Tanny was inexperienced in personal and was Rex's puppet. He leaned on Mangini and now then leaned on Rex too much. I am hoping we get Polian who has the Cajonas to draft the best guys for the next 10 years despite what the coach likes (which is always for next season).

[John X Doe]

If the Jets wait longer, the best OC's will all be taken. Take this thread title with a grain of salt.

[YankeeFanAlways]

I have no problem with them taking their time. I just don't want them to have to settle because of waiting too long.

[GreenLantern]

Dont think its about taking time. The Jets have no choice. What OC wants to coach the Jets?

You know its a problem when O.C's deem Weeden and the Browns a better option then the Jets.

Jets will prob have to settle as opposed to bringing in someone who is proven at the NFL level.

[Mr. Magoo]

Dont think its about taking time. The Jets have no choice. What OC wants to coach the Jets?

You know its a problem when O.C's deem Weeden and the Browns a better option then the Jets.

Jets will prob have to settle as opposed to bringing in someone who is proven at the NFL level.

Ummm...This thread is about them taking time to hire a GM, not an OC.

I would suggest that you get hooked on phonics, but since this is about letters and not words, I am going to recommend that you repeat kindergarten.