Why No Action on the Jets Coaching Staff?

Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano on the sideline in the game against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

As the week has gone by, things have begun to take shape. Woody Johnson and Jed Hughes have moved quickly, and the Jets have just about zeroed in on their general manager. They may even be able to announce a hire this week. For once, the Jets organization had a task, and they moved quickly, efficiently, and without a lot of media attention to get it done. One thing we know, there will be more answers available to us when the Jets press conference arrives on Tuesday.

One thing that has also become clear, Rex Ryan will be the coach in 2013. We reported this week that Woody Johnson, according to sources, made the general manager candidates aware that they were required to keep Rex Ryan in place, for at least one year. So it seems, we are going to have a structure in place. Rex Ryan, a general manager (Tom Gamble?), and Woody Johnson.

But one thing isn’t clear. Why has there been no action on the coaching staff? Why is Tony Sparano, for example, still here?

For one, you have a head coach in place. Unless there is some big change to what we have all perceived since Black Monday, Rex Ryan will be the head coach of this football team come next year. But for some reason, he isn’t making changes to his staff. Is it simply because he is on vacation, or are they waiting for the GM to be hired? You would think that Rex Ryan would be able to start making moves on a staff that he is heading. It would seem odd to me that if they are going to make changes on this staff, to not start making them right away.

Another reason for that would be the availability of replacements. The longer they wait to make moves with these coordinators and coaches, the less replacements will be available. Do the Jets think Norv Turner (using him as an example), is going to sit around and wait for the Jets to make a decision about Tony Sparano? Is Andy Reid going to hold off filling his staff until the Jets have a chance to make the changes they need? I don’t think so. If the Jets want to make moves, they should start making them.

Since the GM search is going well, I am not letting this get to me too badly. It’s an issue that I am just keeping an eye on, as it were. I am watching it from a distance. I just hope the Jets know what they are doing here.