New York Jets seeking to add to offensive coaching staff, not subtract
The New York Jets may still add to their coaching staff after all.
According to a report from Mary Kate Cabot, the Jets are preparing to give former Carolina Panthers running backs coach Duece Staley an offer to join their coaching staff. The Cleveland Browns are also set to do the same in pursuing the coach.
The #Browns have competition for RB coach Duce Staley; will they interview Deshaun Watson's former Texans' OC for that role here?: Browns Insider https://t.co/zlhLwEn0aq
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 21, 2024
Additionally, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the team is attempting to retain defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton and wants to sign him to an extension. One obstacle to retaining the coach is if Jets’ safeties coach Marquand Manuel gets the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator position and brings Whitecotton with him.
Prior to 2023, Staley served as the Lions’ assistant head coach and running backs coach for two seasons (2021-22) under Dan Campbell. This came after 10 seasons in Philadelphia (2011-20). After joining the Eagles as a special teams quality control coach (2011-12), Staley spent the next eight seasons (2013-20) as the running backs coach. He was also the assistant head coach for his final three seasons in Philadelphia (2018-20).
Staley is highly regarded, having helped oversee multiple offenses with successful rushing attacks. He has also, in past years, interviewed for offensive coordinator positions.
For Whitecotton, his departure would be considerable for the Jets’ defensive coaching staff.
The Jets’ defensive line has arguably been the team’s biggest strength in terms of overall talent and depth. Between helping Quinenn Willaims ascend to an All-Pro level and developing Jermaine Johnson and Bryce Huff, Whitecotton has played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
It is positive news to see that the Jets are attempting to add to their coaching ranks. Keeping everything as the status quo is a tough pill to swallow, so adding different voices to mix in with the retained coaches is a good thing.
New York has a long offseason ahead. How the team shapes its 2024 coaching staff will have a big impact on the season.
