Two Philadelphia Eagles assistant coaches are among the top candidates to become the next OC of the New York Jets
When the New York Jets parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, most people assumed the Jets would set their sights on an experienced veteran play-caller to replace him. However, based on the names that have arisen as potential candidates for the job, it does not seem like the Jets are limiting their search to veterans.
Two names on the Jets’ radar are younger coaches from the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive staff who have never called plays in the NFL: Kevin Patullo and Brian Johnson.
Patullo, 41, is in his second season as the Eagles’ passing game coordinator. He has already interviewed with the Jets, per Tom Pelissero.
The #Jets interviewed #Eagles passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo for their offensive coordinator job Friday, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 14, 2023
Johnson, 35, is the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach. While Johnson has yet to interview with the Jets (as far as the public knows), he was mentioned by Ian Rapoport as a “strong candidate” for the Jets’ offensive coordinator position.
A few strong candidates for #Jets OC position, though it will be a wide-ranging search and other names will emerge:
— #Patriots TE coach Nick Caley
— #Eagles QB coach Brian Johnson
— Former #Colts OC Marcus Brady— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2023
Patullo is no stranger to Florham Park. He was the Jets’ quarterbacks coach from 2015 to 2016.
Between his tenures in New York and Philadelphia, Patullo was an assistant for Texas A&M and the Colts. Patullo was a senior offensive analyst for Texas A&M in 2017 before spending three seasons in Indianapolis working under Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni. In the first two of those seasons (2018-19), Patullo served as a wide receivers coach, and in the third (2020), he served as a pass game specialist. When Sirianni was hired as Philadelphia’s head coach, Patullo followed him over.
Johnson entered the NFL in 2021 as the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach after spending 11 seasons as a quarterbacks coach in college, working at four different schools (Utah, Mississippi State, Houston, Florida). Johnson doubled as an offensive coordinator at Utah (2012-13), Houston (2017), and Florida (2020).
Should the Jets bypass experience at the OC position and instead shoot for the moon with one of these younger, higher-upside candidates?
To find out, we brought Eagles film analyst Shane Haff onto the Cool Your Jets Podcast to tell us everything about Philadelphia’s offensive scheme, giving us an idea of the philosophies Patullo or Johnson might carry over to the Jets if they were hired.
Michael, the team of wonderful authors on JetsXFactor should get together on an article dissecting the type of head coach and OC who can take a 7th round QB and get into the playoffs and play credibly. What we need may be a new GM (especially given the 2021 draft and the selection in Wilson) in addition to an Offensive Coach or HC. However, there is something about Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel that is the opposite of what the Jets have. Our guys could not get bupkus from an old vet, a number 1 pick and and a host of others while Mr. Irrelevant is still leading his team and Skyler played well enough to win.
What is it about these guys that gets them to do more with less. Are there any obvious guys out there who we could overpay to get them to fix our SOJ.
After listening to all the pods, I’m really not that excited about any of these guys, and that’s just from where I sit. There are smarter people than me making these decisions. The key to this interview was, Philly running a small menu of concepts. I’m not saying that’s all they know but I’d like to see someone who’s actually done more, not someone who projects they CAN do more, if that makes sense.
Just as an overarching thought on LaFleur, I don’t think this is a points per game, or play calling concern, personally I see it as player relations and player development. He doesn’t seem to relate well to these players. There just seems to be a disconnect, and I noticed something in his pressers this year. He didn’t seem defiant or smug but he did seem too much hard-ass and not enough “connection” with the guys. Then I see what Steve Young had to say about too much tough love with Zach, combined with him calling out Becton, the blow up with Moore, Garrett saying it was tough on offense because of the concepts and I don’t see a coach who guys are excited to play for, or ready to jump through the proverbial wall.
Then look at the player development on offense, and I’m not talking about Zach. Clearly, he’s the obvious choice for regressing but MC looked horrible. Davis never reached what they thought he could be, E. Moore clearly hated playing for the guy, Mims pretty much the same, J. Smith (his pet project) not one ounce improved, heck even Berrios took a step back, on the OL regression for Laken and McGovern (don’t give me McGovern stats that he was good, the “eye test” clearly shows he gets pushed around WAY TOO MUCH). I know the players need to take responsibility but for whatever the reason, it didn’t seem LaFleur was getting the most out of the talent.
I don’t think this was Woody driven, I think after meeting with the players, it was clear to Saleh, there was a trust problem brewing. I think he shared that with LaFleur, something good friends do, and they did decide that there would be better options for LaFleur moving forward. I also think Saleh, is using this as an opportunity to now bring in an OC and other staff, whose personalities match some of the talent on the team. I also think they mean it when then talk about Zach’s talent, and he knows it will take a strong teacher to help him (and all the guys) reach their full potential. LaFleur just doesn’t seem like that guy at this point.
I say all this as a LaFleur fan, I think he will do well. I also say this because NONE of the guys “rumored” or confirmed to interview for the job inspire confidence. Especially, Kevin Patullo and Brian Johnson.
Great take on Lafleur and the connection between him and the players. You made Solid points and I too think the call by Saleh was the right choice. A proven veteran who can connect with the players is what the offence needs to be successful as well as a veteran QB coach, OL coach and WR coach.
Solid podcast as always. Im not into Johnson as OC. The point the Eagles dude brought up is why. Being under that HC and OC, it seems like he’s been very well sheltered. Jumping right into the Jets oc job doesnt seem like a recipe for success. Though we have no idea who really does what behind the scenes, i mean he could have a terrific plan that he shows in his interview and maybe he’s the perfect dude. Just sayin, from the outside looking in, it doesnt look like a great candidate yet. Id rather the higher floor retread at this moment. And id surmise Saleh may feel better with a safer pick too.
I agree, I’d like to see them go with a more experienced OC. And I’d also have a hard time seeing Saleh going with an inexperienced guy in such an important season for his future. They might just be interviewing these guys to pick their brains and learn about other teams’ schemes.
He could also be looking for a QB coach. Based on your pod about Olson, he seems like a great choice for QB coach but not OC. when do you think this decision will happen? You think before the SB?
Late this month maybe? Seems like they’re taking their time. I would think it happens before the SB though at the latest, especially with that Carr decision looming three days after the SB.
Olson as QB coach or a senior offensive assistant definitely makes a lot of sense. Haven’t seen that they’ve even actually interviewed him yet, though.
I really like Olsen as OC or QB coach. I could see someone from Reich tree being a good fit too. I think the process is for both an OC and OC/passing game coordinator.