Content available exclusively for subscribers
New Jersey – As the interviews start for the GM job spearheaded by Jed Hughes (pictured), let’s take a closer look at that search and what is going on with OC job.
It looks like Mike Murlarkey might be out of a job in Jacksonville after just two years as the head coach.
He should immediately go on the Jets short list for offensive coordinator – he’s a very sharp offensive mind, one of the best in the league.
I know it might be presumptuous to talk about offensive coordinator candidates since Tony Sparano still has the job.
However, Adam Schefter reported five days ago, “According to sources, the Jets do not plan to bring back offensive coordinator Tony Sparano.”
As far as I’m concerned, that is money in the bank. I’m not saying Schefter is always right, but on these kind of stories, he’s basically, always right.
He might be wrong about where free agents or draft picks might wind up, but on coaches being fired, he’s money. He’s not going to throw something like that out there, unless it’s true.
So why is Tony still there? It’s hard to say. There has been speculation they are working on a buyout. I don’t buy that one. The Jets have no leverage here, unless holding him hostage, and making him miserable, is the leverage you are thinking of.
There has also been speculation that the Jets are waiting to hire a new GM before making a decision on Sparano.
That doesn’t make a lot of sense.
By all accounts, Rex Ryan controls who is on his staff, so why would the new general manager matter in relation to who is on the staff?
It should not.
It’s just a matter of time before this is resolved, and the Jets bring in another OC.
Mularkey would be a very good choice, as would Chan Gailey, Cam Cameron or Norv Turner.
This is a good off-season to be looking for an offensive coordinator.
According to Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, who knows more about the Chargers than anyone, Turner doesn’t want the Jets’ job.
And that is totally understandable.
That dude has been raked over the coals forever, by the public and media in places like Washington, Oakland and San Diego – he been vilified.
The Jets OC job is the last thing he needs right now.
That is one of the toughest jobs in the toughest market – ask Paul Hackett, B-Schotty and Sparano.
Norv needs to go to a really small market to be an OC, and low-key it for a while.
With Turner out of the picture according to Acee, you would have to think Cameron would be the leading candidate.
He and Rex are friends from Baltimore, and he’s very good at his job.
He has to be the leader in the clubhouse . . .
Speaking of leaders in the clubhouse, for the GM job, that is likely Tom Gamble.
The New Jersey-native (Haddonfield), he has certainly paid his dues over the last 24 years, starting with the
Philadelphia Eagles in 1988 as an assistant in the player personnel department.
During his time in the NFL, Gamble has helped build 10 playoff teams – five with Indianapolis, four with Philadelphia and last year’s San Francisco team. He is currently the 49er’s Director of Player Personnel.
He is the son of former Philadelphia Eagles president Harry Gamble.
Harry was the president of the Eagles when Rex’s father, Buddy Ryan, was the Eagles coach.
So Rex and Tom know each other, and like each other.
I’m not saying the team needs to hire somebody Rex likes, but it doesn’t hurt if the guy coming in gets along with the coach.
Gamble is a good guy. Most people like him.
Also, the 49ers play a 3-4 defensive front, so Gamble fits in well with what Rex is looking for on defense.
January 4, 2102
Premium will return on Sunday by 9:30 pm (unless the Jets make a major announcement like the OC was fired or a new GM named).
