Woody Johnson and the Jets Could Learn A Lot from Jed Hughes

Jan 8, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson reviews the 2012 season and address changes for 2013 at the New York Jets Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

You could say a lot of things about Woody Johnson, on both sides of the coin. He is a good businessman, but clearly doesn’t know a great deal about football. He says things in public that leave a lot to be desired. Clearly, Woody Johnson likes to see his name in the newspaper. He’s very loyal to his employees, sometimes it’s a good thing, sometimes it’s misplaced. Woody does work hard for the team, but doesn’t always come away with much to show for it. He certainly runs an organization that could hardly be called a “tight ship”, based on the leaks that have come out in recent months.

Recently, as we all know, the Jets have commenced a search for a general manager to replace Mike Tannenbaum. To help, Woody Johnson has brought in Korn/Ferry leader Jed Hughes to help with the search. The search is taking time, no doubt. But, one thing is for sure, they have made the right move here. In fact, it would be nice if they could keep Jed Hughes around after the search, because the Jets could learn a lot from him about running an organization.

Have you noticed something about the reports lately regarding general manager candidates? They have been highly inconsistent, have they not? A Montreal outlet reported that Jim Popp was interviewed by the Jets, and is still in the running. On the other hand, ESPN reported that Popp in fact did not interview with the Jets. Interesting, huh? Yesterday, there were conflicting reports about former Bears GM Jerry Angelo. Some were reporting that Angelo was coming in for a second interview, others reported that this was not the case.

There have even been conflicting reports on the progress of the search, haven’t there? We hear from all of these “sources”, that the Jets “can’t give the job away”. We talked before about Florio, that according to him, the team president asking football questions is a turnoff for candidates. We know how little sense that makes, but then again, we know how little sense Florio makes when he talks Jets. But, who has been mysteriously silent?

The New York Jets.

The Jets have actually done no talking. They were actually asked to comment at one point…and REFUSED! Refused? Who are these people, and what have they done with the Jets? Who can remember the Jets being silent about anything? I think the last time was when Eric Mangini was the coach. Clearly the Jets have been silent, and the media has taken the partial information they HAVE gotten, and stretched it into what they want to hear and what fits their story. That is why there is all the confusion in the stories.

So, why is this happening? Other than Tannenbaum, the front office has not changed since the end of the season. Obviously, Woody is still here. So, who is the new influence? Jed Hughes. Hughes has to be the one making the difference, as he is the only new player in the equation. Hughes is doing a great job keeping the ACTUAL details of this search under control, so the media doesn’t run crazy with stories.  Is some information getting out?  Yes.  Hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

I know we can’t keep Hughes around forever, so hopefully Woody is paying attention. He, and the Jets, can learn a lot from him. A bit of silence would be a welcome change in 2013, wouldn’t it?