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Franklin, TN – It remains to be seen what changes the Jets brass makes after the season. But when reading national stories that include lists of candidates – beware . . .
Albert Breer wrote a column for NFL.com about the best GM candidates.
One of them is Mike Tannenbaum (not for the Jets’ job, just as a general candidate).
“A hard run at a title after consecutive AFC title game appearances left the Jets in a tough spot after his ouster, but he got the team there in the first place and fostered an inclusive environment that people in that building have learned to appreciate in the two years since,” wrote Breer.
I like both Mike and Bert, but always get the sense in these kind of stories that insiders often promote people who help them.
I’m not saying Tannenbaum doesn’t deserve another chance at being a GM, but the picture Bert paints is a little too flowery for my tastes.
If Mike’s environment was so “inclusive,” why did his college scouting director, Joey Clinkscales, bolt for the Raiders, because he felt the GM wasn’t listening to him?
I know it is open season on John Idzik, but I question the theory that Mike was so much more inclusive than John.
John isn’t sitting in his office, on an island, ignoring scouts and coaches.
That isn’t what is going on.
Think about the Dexter McDougle pick. A big reason the Jets picked McDougle is defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman fell in love with him.
Of course there are times that John makes moves of his own volition, but he’s not sitting in his office making moves willy-nilly ignoring his staff.
I’m also not sure that the building is loaded with people who miss Mike.
He could be maniacal at times. During games, in the press box, he could be a wild man – banging on the table, yelling, and even threw out a staffer once for being too loud.
Idzik is a lot more even-tempered.
Look, I’m not looking to trash Mike. I like him. But I just don’t agree with this picture Bert is painting here.
Honestly, the biggest issue with both Mike and John is that they are probably more cap gurus than pure personnel guys.
If the Jets make a GM change, they need to bring in a pure football personnel guy, a guy with an extensive scouting background. They need for a time-out from hiring cap gurus.
Bert also brought up names like Tom Heckett and Scot McCloughan. These are two guys with solid scouting backgrounds, but have had issues off the field, so to speak. The Jets don’t need to go down that road.
Scott Pioli was also brought up. I like Scott. I don’t think he particularly likes me after the “Spy-gate” story, though we did a show at the combine and got along well. Bert also brought up the Patriots’ current personnel director Nick Caserio.
Let me just say this – beware of candidates with embellished resumes due to working with Tom Brady, perhaps the greatest QB of all time.
Romeo Crennel, Charlie Weis, Josh McDaniels, Eric Mangini. Need I say more.
If the Jets make a GM change, they need to hit a grand slam home run.
They need to avoid making a pick based on suggestions from reporters or even NFL people, who might have an agenda, perhaps trying to get a friend the job.
December 13, 2014
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