The New York Jets parted ways with multiple members of their athletic care and performance department
The New York Jets have shaken up their athletic care and performance department, which they formed three years ago to combat their high injury rates. According to ESPN, “Three experts hired to lead the department are no longer with the organization.”
Sources: Changes in the #Jets sports-performance department. https://t.co/EyCwYTnkDg pic.twitter.com/lOO02lUi0e
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 9, 2024
The three departures are Brad DeWeese (director of high performance since March 2021) and his two “top lieutenants,” Robert Sausaman (assistant director of high performance) and Matt Sams (director of sports science). A Jets source said the departures were not performance-related and that Sams left “on his own accord.”
Despite their efforts to improve the athletic care and performance department, the Jets still dealt with poor injury luck over the past few years. Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury took the spotlight in 2023, but injuries were a problem for the rest of the roster, too, especially along the offensive line. There were 13 different offensive linemen who started at least one game for the team.
Per the the Jets’ website, Alexander Carnall was hired to fill the director of sports science coordinator role. Carnall has been an instructor in applied sports science with the University of Memphis for the last seven years. However, he has no experience in the NFL or an official association with football.
No other changes to the athletic department or the Jets’ strength and conditioning staff have been reported at this time. With the Jets relying on a 40-year-old quarterback behind two 33-year-old tackles, all of whom dealt with injuries in 2023, the Jets need to do everything they can to stay healthy.
