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New Jersey – The Jets’ interview process is heating up. Let’s break down what is going on as the Jets continue to look for both a new head coach and GM . . .
Some in the media were trying to rush the Jets into hiring Doug Marrone.
But that isn’t going to happen.
They are going to interview him, but he’s also going to talk to Atlanta and Chicago. He does have connection to Atlanta after working at Georgia Tech.
“The Jets also plan on interviewing former Bills coach Doug Marrone, who is seen by some around the league as the favorite to land the job,” wrote the New York Post.
Some around the league?
Does that include writers?
There is a New York Post columnist, and an ESPN New York writer, who clearly want this to happen.
They are friendly with Marrone.
Of course they want him to get this job.
It’s certainly beneficial to a writer to have a friend as the coach of a team they have to cover.
It could lead to an excellent information pipeline.
So some have an agenda in pushing Marrone for the job.
It will make their jobs easier.
And actually, this hire, from a PR standpoint, would be helpful to the Jets. The two guys I’m talking about have destroyed this organization over the years.
This hire would get these guys off their back – big-time. I’m not saying they will never rip the Jets if Marrone is hired, but the venom will come down a few notices.
If Marrone was the coach, their vitriol would calm down a great deal.
Now that isn’t a great reason to hire a coach, but I just wanted to throw that out there.
And I think one of the reasons the Daily News has been destroying the concept of Marrone becoming the Jets coach, is that they know it will help their competition at the New York Post and ESPN New York.
Like I’ve said, he’s a good candidate, but not one you have to stop the interview process for.
And if Marrone does emerge as the leading candidate, the Jets better pick the right GM.
Marrone didn’t get along very well with Bills GM Doug Whaley, and some others in his department.
There was a major argument on the field last summer at Bills training camp at St. John’s Fisher College over player personnel issues.
So if the Jets hire Marrone, they better make sure he’s in lock step with the GM pick, or they are asking for trouble.
You would have to think Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan is the leading candidate for the GM job if he interviews well.
The Texans have drafted very well over the years.
Also, he worked for Charlie Casserly in Washington and Houston.
You would have to think this will be the man Charlie recommends to Woody.
It’s essential that Woody listen more to Charlie and Ron Wolf, than his right and left hand men from the Jets’ business side, who aren’t football guys.
Woody can’t make choices for the wrong reason.
What do I mean by that?
Sometimes owners, without extensive football backgrounds, get caught up in the wrong stuff.
Rex Ryan is a perfect example.
Ryan blew Woody away in the interview six years ago with his larger than life personality.
But obviously, there is more too it than that.
And that is where Charlie and Ron come into play.
Woody can’t get too caught up in the cult of personality during the interview process.
The Jets need a GM with an extensive scouting background and eye for talent. Also, a head coach who is a great leader, strategist and will hold guys accountable at all times. Charlie and Ron can help Woody separate the wheat from the chaff on these fronts.
Woody can’t get caught up in sizzle during interviews, he need to focus on steak.
January 3, 2014
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