The Jets search for a new general manager continues, and if you’ve struggled to keep up with everything that’s going on, just know you’re not alone. But before we get into the latest on the GM front, there are two other interesting developments worth noting.
- Despite not having hired a new general manager, the Jets have already begun the process of targeting candidates for the offensive coordinator job. Names include Cam Cameron, Marty Mornhinweg, Hue Jackson and Pep Hamilton. According to CBS Sports, Cameron is considered the early “favorite.”
- In addition to interviewing several potential offensive coordinators, the Jets are also reportely targeting David Lee to replace the recently fired Matt Cavanaugh as quarterback’s coach. You might remember David Lee as the dude in Miami that introduced the Wildcat to the NFL. Between this development and Rex Ryan’s mention of the word “pistol” in relation to his plans for the team’s 2013 offense, one can only assume they have plans to continue with some Wildcat-option fun.
It’s curious that Woody Johnson and what remains of the Jets front office are working to target coordinators and coaches when they haven’t even hired a general manager yet, though the GM search doesn’t appear any closer to a resolution that it did a week ago. The team has interviewed at least 10 candidates for the opening, including Tom Gamble, Marc Ross, Jerry Angelo and Scott Cohen, and more candidates are being added with each passing day.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who was busy reporting and tweeting updates on the Jets’ GM search all day Sunday, the “Jets will hold follow-up discussions with at least two GM candidates they have interviewed. Name to watch: former Bears GM Jerry Angelo.” Schefter also mentioned that Scott Cohen and Omar Kahn will have follow-up interviews and/or remain high on the list.
Details beyond that are kind of tricky.
According to PFT, the Jets were supposed to have added Russ Ball, the right-hand man of Packers’ GM Ted Thompson, into the mix. PFT suggested Ball had “quietly” already interviewed for the job, but according to Rich Cimini, those reports aren’t true. Cimini also shot down reports that the Jets have interviewed Montreal Alouettes Jim Popp, a man that has expressed heavy interest in taking the job.
But there is another mystery candidate that HAS been interviewed, per Schefter, former Broncos GM Ted Sundquist, who the Jets interviewed late last week.
Much was also made of Woody Johnson’s plane, which was en route to Ft. Lauderdale this morning, presumable to meet with Gaine. Schefter made no mention of Gaine, and other beat reporters, like Brian Costello, tweeted that the trip to Florida was nothing of significance.
So the next question is, WHY is this taking so long, WHY so many candidates and what the heck is happening in Florham Park? Jay Glazer at Fox Sports took to Twitter to offer a little insight this morning, tweeting that Jets are having a difficult time filling the position and “can’t give the position away.” Glazer also added that the Jets have been calling back candidates who’ve turned them down and asked them to reconsider.
Many writers, bloggers and fans have been quick to point out that the Jets’ handing of the search does make them appear desperate, and it’s possible they are, But considering Glazer willingness to slam the Jets at every opportunity, his report smells of outrageous hyperbole. Jets Confidential agrees, disputing the notion that they are “desperate,” and instead, are just being thorough.
All of this is a long way of saying we are still days away from a hiring, and Jerry Angelo, Scott Cohen and Omar Kahn appear to be favorites. Of course, this could all be a bunch of crap and mean absolutely nothing, but with the Jets, you just never know.
