This one’s different. This one, unlike others, requires patience. The New York Jets are doing the right thing in this head-coaching search.
Preaching patience to a fanbase that hasn’t seen a Super Bowl in 52 years is a hell of a thing. Only the completely unaware or aloof wouldn’t realize that notion.
Nevertheless, it’s the right move. Remaining as patient as possible during this particular head-coaching search makes sense.
Think about it from Joe Douglas‘s perspective. Here’s a young general manager ready to make a decision of a lifetime. Considering coaching’s obvious impact on the game, this hire can literally make or break Douglas’s New York Jets stint and may even impact his NFL general manager career as a whole.
He must get it right. He has to get it right. So to come away with a good feeling about certain candidates after a virtual first interview is a tough deal.
Remember, the pandemic is still playing a major factor in the NFL’s day-to-day operations. Each of the Jets’ nine initial interviews took place virtually (most likely Zoom). Only San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Tennesee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith made it into the second round thus far. Both of those second interviews took place in-person.
Consider those two in-person interviews the initial interview, as in years past, that’s what it would have been.
Since Week 17 happened on Jan. 3 of this year, we’re now 11 days into the process. Eleven days into the process a year ago saw four of the five teams with openings having already filled the vacancy. Save for Urban Meyer’s possible duties with the Jacksonville Jaguars, none of the teams have yet made a decision. Not even a concrete report has surfaced.
Everything’s simply slower this time around. Yet again, Douglas is tasked with a roadblock. Thus far, he’s handled every one in an emotionless, calculated manner—exactly the mindset needed to thrive in today’s NFL salary-cap-driven league.
Jets fans have a right to fear the worst—thanks to what happened in January 2019—but keep the new process in the back of the mind. It’s not just the Jets; every team is operating at a slower clip.
Sabo Radio also touches on the divisional-round matchups for this weekend. After a horrid 2-4 wild-card round, we look to right the ship the second time around.
All of that and more on Sabo Radio 76.
