New York Jets Are Hard At Work

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 Jets aren’t sitting around lamenting the loss of Rex Ryan. They aren’t even sitting around celebrating the signing of his replacement, Todd Bowles. The Jets have been busy working behind the scenes to improve the organization!

In a short period of time, owner Woody Johnson and his consultants hired Mike Maccagnan as the new general manager. As promised Woody hired a highly respected executive with a lengthy scouting background to lead his team into the future.

Along with Maccagnan, Johnson then acted quickly to sign Todd Bowles as the new head coach of the New York Jets. Johnson’s quick action brought us Bowles before the Atlanta Falcons had a chance to sign him. Johnson was aggressive in this search, he went out and found the right guys to consult with, he traveled around the country holding interviews, and when he found his guy, he signed him.

Todd Bowles has gotten to work as well. He’s already targeted Chan Gailey as his offensive coordinator. He’s also brought in a defensive coordinator in the form of Kacy Rogers. He seems to be ready to sign Joe Danna as his defensive backs coach as well. Bowles went right to work!

Maccagan hasn’t been sitting on his laurels either. He fired Terry Bradway and Jeff Bauer, in one fell swoop. The moves signal a house cleaning of the Jets scouting department. It also may be a sign Johnson is allowing his new general manager to do his job without interference. This is all good news from where I sit.

Maccagnan seems to grasp the idea that he’s new to the GM position and will need help to be successful. It has been rumored that he wants to bring former Jacksonville Jaguars GM Gene Smith to be part of his front office. In yet another rumor, Maccagnan is seeking to hire Brian Heimerdinger as part of the new scouting department. Maccagnan is cleaning house, something Idzik didn’t or wasn’t allowed to do. Rod Graves has also been dismissed; Graves was brought in by Idzik to help oversee personnel.

Maccagnan has been decisive and aggressive in his initial actions as the Jets general manager. He’s not only shown a willingness to act, but unlike his predecessor, he’s shown he can act swiftly. He’s bringing in people he’s comfortable working with, and he’s seeking to hire experienced, qualified individuals.

Bowles is building a coaching staff. He’s wasted no time in finding coaches at key positions on his staff. He is bringing in coaches that he’s worked with before, making for a smooth transition. Bowles has a big job ahead of him, but he seems to be diving right into it.

Maybe it’s me, but what I’m seeing from the Jets organization lately, isn’t the “same old Jets” mentality. From Johnson and Company down to their hires, things have been done decisively, efficiently and aggressively. I know its way early, but so far, I like what I’m seeing from these guys. Much to my amazement, the Jets organization seemingly understands what needs to be done, and is taking action to fix it.