New York Jets: An Odd Direction with Kevin Patullo Hire

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new head coach

Todd Bowles

speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

It’s not hard to feel good about the Jets direction so far this off-season. They hired a personnel driven general manager, a result we were all waiting for. They picked a young, top assistant in head coach Todd Bowles. As recently as yesterday, the Jets hired three offensive coaches. The Jets staff is coming together.

Even the Jets hired a Director of Player Personnel, which many have said is surprising to do at this early stage in the game. Clearly, a diverse and talented group of people are interested in coming to the New York Jets.

It’s great to see the Jets bringing many different influences on to the staff. My only question has been the direction of the offense. I have already given my views on Chan Gailey. Now, he goes ahead with an interesting hire, and one I find odd. That is the new quarterbacks coach, Kevin Patullo.

Next: Time with the Bills

Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson (13) catches the ball during warm-ups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Patullo spent three years on the staff of Chan Gailey up in Buffalo, from 2010-2012. During that time, Patullo handled offensive quality control, as well as the job of assistant wide receivers coach. To his credit, Steve Johnson did post three consecutive 1,000 yard seasons.

But, what else did the Buffalo offense do? The offense had the following rankings from 2010-2012 in yards per game, 25th, 14th, and 19th. The passing offense was 24th, 15th, and 25th. If that is quality control, Patullo doesn’t exactly get an A+ grade.

In looking at the wide rececivers, beyond Stevie Johnson, no other receiver exceeded 700 yards during Patullo’s tenure.

Next: Time with the Titans

Dec 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver

Kendall Wright

(13) scores a touchdown against Indianapolis Colts cornerback

Darius Butler

(20) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

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Kevin Patullo spent the last two seasons as the assistant wide receivers coach for the Tennessee Titans. Over those two seasons, only one receiver posted a 1,000 yard season (Kendall Wright 2013). Nobody else. Should Patullo get a top grade for his work with the Titans receivers? I am not so sure.

So, Kevin Patullo has never even been the head of a position, and the position he has assisted has been fair at best.

And one more thing.

Next: No QB Experience

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, did anyone notice something about the experience of Kevin Patullo? He has a good deal of experience working with wide receivers, there is no doubt about that. But, he has no experience working with quarterbacks! Why would the Jets want to bring in a guy in Kevin Patullo, who has never worked with quarterbacks, to work with their quarterbacks?

The quarterback is the most important position on the offensive side of the ball for all teams. The Jets have one of the biggest problems at the position of any team in the league. They need to either make sure Geno Smith develops correctly, or find someone that they can develop. Wouldn’t an experienced quarterback coach make more sense?

I don’t like the Kevin Patullo hire, I find it odd and don’t like the direction. I hope that I am wrong.

Next: Revisiting Super Bowl 3

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