Eric Mangini is open to the idea of deported quarterback Chad Pennington returning to the Jets — as a coach.
Two days before the Jets open the regular season on the road with an AFC East grudge match against Pennington’s new team, the Miami Dolphins, Mangini endorsed the possibility of finding Pennington a headset and a spot on the Jets’ sideline.
“I wouldn’t be opposed to that at all,” Mangini told reporters today. “I’m sure he’d be able to do a great job. If that’s what he wanted to do, he’d be a great coach.”
The two remain close, according to Mangini, who said he thinks Pennington has a successful future awaiting him in football when his playing days are done.
“I have a great relationship with Chad,” Mangini said. “I hope to talk to Chad after the game, after the next game, in the future. Chad’s going to be, not only a good football player for a long time, I could see him having a role in football after he’s through playing.
“He’s got a great mind. Maybe he’ll be on TV. Maybe he’ll be coaching. The guy can do whatever he wants. He’s smart, well-spoken and knowledgeable.”
Pennington carries a reputation as a passer who makes up for his physical limitations with his intangibles and his deep understanding of the quarterback position, a fine recipe for a budding coach. But Mangini won’t underestimate Pennington’s right arm entering Sunday’s clash between the Jets and the Dolphins, which is being billed as a showdown between the Jets’ old quarterback and their new one: soft-tossing Pennington, who has the highest completion percentage in NFL history, and cannon-armed Brett Favre, who holds records for the most passing yards and the most touchdowns — and most interceptions.
“I never looked at Chad as having throws that he can and can’t make,” Mangini said. “I think one thing that Chad does is consistently show he can do pretty much anything.”