The New York Jets are searching for a new running backs coach
The New York Jets are losing one coach this offseason — finally.
But does it even matter?
According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, running backs coach Taylor Embree will not be back with the team next year.
Sources: #Jets RB coach Taylor Embree will not be returning to the team next year.
Embree helped develop Breece Hall into one of the game’s best backs despite inconsistent line play. Was one of Robert Saleh’s untouchables when Nathaniel Hackett was hired.
Now he’s gone. pic.twitter.com/zzYl2VF5aI
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) January 23, 2024
The Jets looked into replacing him with highly-regarded coach Duce Staley, but per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Staley will be heading to the Cleveland Browns.
Jets looked into hiring Duce Staley to replace Embree but sounds like he’ll be going to the Browns. https://t.co/xeCGYY4HMY
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 23, 2024
Losing a lower-level coach usually causes little reaction. Still, if Embree was considered one of Robert Saleh’s untouchables, is there a reason to be dismayed that he’s leaving?
The short answer is no. It’s easy to say that Embree “developed” Breece Hall, but Hall also came into the NFL as one of the most dynamic running backs of the decade. In fact, Saleh’s criticism that Hall needs to get more north and south could perhaps reflect poorly on Embree’s coaching.
Meanwhile, the other Jets’ running backs from this season completely failed. Michael Carter was unimpactful before the Jets chose to release him. Dalvin Cook may have been a miserable signing by Joe Douglas from the outset, but his performance was even worse than it had been in the past, even relative to the Jets’ poor blocking. Izzy Abanikanda couldn’t get on the field because of his pass-blocking and didn’t show much when he was there.
Perhaps it’s too much to blame Embree for these failures. After all, Carter did have a promising rookie season with Embree as his coach, and whether it’s to Embree’s credit or not, Hall is one of the better young backs in the NFL. Still, if Embree gets credit for those successes, he also must shoulder the blame for Carter’s fall-off after his rookie season.
Ultimately, running back is a position where it’s difficult to evaluate how much the coach matters. Unlike quarterback, offensive line, or many defensive positions, a running back’s running style tends to be largely set in stone by the time he reaches the NFL. That’s why running backs can become big contributors in their rookie seasons but have less of an improvement curve.
Therefore, losing Embree is nothing more than a blip on the radar screen. The Jets could have used a well-respected coach to come in if only to raise morale. Still, Embree’s replacement is the least of their concerns right now.
