mollyfamwatFLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The New York Jets have a new coach and a new way of doing business.
On the day they introduced Robert Saleh as head coach, the Jets announced a reorganization of their power structure. It is led by President Woody Johnson, who returned to the United States on Thursday after serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom for three years.
According to Christopher Johnson, who managed the franchise in the absence of his older brother, Johnson will soon return to his role as principal owner. Christopher will become Vice President and will continue to play an important role in the day-to-day management of the company.
Instead of reporting directly to the house, as the previous two coaches did, Saleh will work directly under the direction of General Manager Joe Douglas. This means more power to Douglas, who has led the search for a coach and will remain involved.
Christopher Johnson said the new facility is a clean and easy way to get things done. One aspect of the dynamic is unusual, as Saleh has yet to face Woody Johnson, who has owned the team since 2000. Woody Johnson, who lived in London, was not directly involved in the search for a coach.
I haven’t had a conversation with Woody yet, Saleh said at a virtual press conference. I am very happy to have this opportunity in the near future.
According to Saleh, the lack of familiarity with his boss does not bother him at all, and he expects it to be a joint effort.
According to Christopher Johnson, Woody Johnson has the final say in all decisions and he hopes that a strong working relationship with his brother will provide enough continuity.
While serving abroad, Woody Johnson was investigated by U.S. authorities and found to have made racist and sexist comments. Johnson has been granted waivers.
Woody Johnson recently completed a three-year term as US ambassador to the UK. Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
In four seasons with Christopher Johnson as the starting owner, the Jets went 18-46 and finished last in the division three times.
It is clear that Saleh faces a big challenge, but he was optimistic and confident when he was introduced to the media.
Get used to this mantra: All gas, no brakes, said Saleh, who signed a five-year contract.
Saleh, who has spent the last four seasons in San Francisco as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, said he would not call for a defensive play. This allows him to become a CEO-type trainer, which is a break from the previous staff – a welcome change from an organizational perspective. Former coach Adam Gase led the charge and focused on that side of the ball.
Saleh relies on new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who recently served as interim coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.
Mike LaFleur, former coach of the 49ers, will be the offensive coordinator, Saleh confirmed.
The biggest problem for Saleh is the future of quarterback Sam Darnold. A precursor to Douglas’ public stance on Darnold, Saleh praised the former first-round starter but was unwilling to commit to him as a starter.
Saleh said he was still evaluating the list. The second pick in April’s draft allowed the Jets to select a quarterback. He had no intention of shaking their hands.
He has an incredible gift for weapons, Saleh said of Darnold, the NFL’s lowest-rated passer in 2020. It is not for nothing that he was chosen as the third best candidate in the selection [2018]. He is fearless in his pocket. He has a natural throwing motion. He’s mobile. He’s very smart. He’s hard as nails. His reputation in the locker room is unquestioned.
All these qualities are reflected in the film and around the building in the way people talk about the building.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Douglas, who has the final say on the list.
The overriding theme of the press conference was Saleh’s leadership and his ability to communicate with the players, which the Jets lacked.
When we met with him, Christopher Johnson said of Saleh that we knew we had our coach.
Saleh, who is trying to rebuild the culture, has already reached all the actors through texts. He said there was a lot of talent on this team – he talked about Quinnen Williams’ defensive tackle – but acknowledged there was still a lot of work to be done.
It will take time, he said, but everything we do will be focused on winning championships in the future.
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