New York Jets General Manager and Head Coach Searches May Be a No-Win Situation

Dec 29, 2014; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets chairman and chief executive officer Woody Johnson addresses the media regarding the dismissal of general manager John Idzik (not pictured) and head coach Rex Ryan (not pictured) at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The New York Jets are running a unique search here in the early off-season. They are running a search for a general manager and head coach, yet doing it concurrently. Rex Ryan and John Idzik are gone. The New York Jets have a lot of work to do in order to improve this roster. We all know that. There is no doubt that the Jets need to hire the men to take their franchise forward, and do it soon.

The argument could definitely have been made that the Jets should have hung onto both Rex Ryan and John Idzik. The argument could also be made that John Idzik should have stayed, and been given the chance to hire a coach of his choosing. Like it or not, two seasons is not a long time to judge the work of a general manager. His rookie classes have barely had a cup of coffee in the NFL yet.

But, that is not what happened. The Jets have two positions to fill. Who should the Jets hire first, the coach or the general manager? Unfortunately, no matter how they go about it, the Jets may be in the midst of a no-win situation. Let me tell you why.

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone reacts against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets, for some reason, hold Doug Marrone in high regard. Some of you think he is a great choice, you have seen both sides of the debate here at this website, but that is not for this conversation. Say, for example, the Jets hire Marrone before they hire a general manager. Now the Jets continue the search for an executive. But, there is a caveat. This executive has to accept a head coach being in place, Doug Marrone.

So the Jets potentially have two guys, each with a different philosophy. We have seen that before. It doesn’t work. If it did, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.

Jan 30, 2014; Jersey City, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn at a press conference at The Westin in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets could go the conventional route. They could hire the general manager first, and allow him to choose the Jets coach. Makes sense, doesn’t it? We know that the Jets would be allowing the general manager to choose a coach that fits in with his vision. It seems logical.

However, if the Jets wait too long, the top coaching candidates will no longer be available. That new general manager will have to settle. Where does THAT leave us?