The Jets have had some memorable press conferences in their time, from Joe Namath taking questions poolside to Bill Belichick resigning as “HC of the NYJ.”
Today, owner Woody Johnson and head coach Rex Ryan emerge from their hiding spots to face questions about the embarrassing 6-10 season in 2012 and their plans for 2013. The Jets have delayed answering questions for eight days since canceling Ryan’s press conference the day after the season ended at Buffalo, a violation of NFL media policy.
By delaying the press conference, the Jets have made today’s session a huge event that is expected to be covered by a large media throng and is being televised live on SNY. The team unwittingly added a storyline when a silent Ryan was chased to the Bahamas and photographed shirtless, revealing a tattoo of his wife in a Mark Sanchez jersey.
Let the questions begin.
The Jets have begun to come out of their static state. Ryan and his coaching staff returned to work yesterday, but were told little about what is going on with the search for a new general manager.
Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh was informed he will not be back in 2013, according to a source. Cavanaugh’s contract runs out in a few weeks. After a disappointing season from Sanchez, the Jets were expected to move on from Cavanaugh, who has held the position since 2009.
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who will also become a free agent this month, may be on his way to a division rival. The Jets granted the Bills permission to interview Pettine for their defensive coordinator opening, according to a source. Pettine turned down a contract extension from the Jets this summer and is expected to move on.
As for offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, nine days after ESPN reported he was going to be fired, he still has the job. Sparano has two years left on his contract. The Jets could be waiting for the new GM to be in place before deciding on Sparano’s fate.
The Jets finished up their first round of GM interviews yesterday with Giants director of college scouting Marc Ross and current assistant GM Scott Cohen. A source said the Jets might expand the search to more than the four candidates who have interviewed. The Jets also interviewed Tom Gamble and Dave Caldwell, the directors of player personnel for the 49ers and Falcons, respectively.
Gamble reportedly will interview with the Chargers today for their GM opening, but a league source said that meeting might not happen. The Chargers reportedly are deciding between two other candidates.
Caldwell is viewed as the favorite to land the Jaguars GM job, but Yahoo! reported yesterday Caldwell might have his choice between the Jaguars and the Jets.
It is doubtful that Johnson will shed much light on the GM search. He is more likely to talk tattoos and buttfumbles. It’s been that kind of year around the Jets.