Woody Johnson Black Monday Press Conference

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson arrives before the game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Here are some paraphrased quotes from Woody Johnson’s end of year press conference:

On firings of Rex Ryan and John Idzik: This morning Rex Ryan and John Idzik have been let go and I did that because of a disappointing year. We are in the win business and we are not winning. I had to do it and I thought it was in the best interest of the team to do it. Rex understands it, it wasn’t a total shock. He was prepared for it and it wasn’t a total shock to him. You are what your record says you are. It was obvious that a change had to be made. Rex had a tremendous impact and made the team relevant. He was very good and very honest.

On the impact of the fans on the decision: I work for the fans but I don’t listen to the fans because the ones that are the most vocal represent a small minority. John doesn’t get credit for the good he did because there was the good guy and the less than good guy (Rex good guy Idzik bad guy narrative).

On the GM/Coach relationship: The GM/coach have to work together and the GM needs to get players to fit the scheme of the coach and they need to work in lock step. The coaches and assistant coaches have to be part of the discussion. Relationship between coach and GM very important. They have to understand what each other need. This is very critical right now, we have to make good decision and we have to know what we are looking for in a head coach and GM and what the criteria. Head coach that can pick his staff. The assistant coaches aren’t fired. If they are under contract or not they can interview with the new coach. Could hire a coach before the GM. The GM won’t necessarily get to pick his own coach because the coach could be hired first. The new GM will have the ability to control the personnel department and make changes.

On what he is looking for in a coach and general manager: Looking for a good manager of all facets of the game, inspire guys and hold everyone accountable in a head coach. For general manager looking for a draft guy, how you manage the cap, how you put together your 53 man roster, how you work with the head coach.

On the status of the process: He has a short list of coaches and GMs. They have reached out the entire list today. They will keep the media informed as the week goes on.

On Geno Smith: Geno Smith got much, much better over the last 5 games. I have confidence in Geno that he can be a good quarterback.