Trying to identify the next poor soul who will coach the Jets…
while waiting for another NY star to start delivering before it’s too late.
Who Is Piloting This Team?
What Happened: As we covered yesterday, Robert Saleh’s firing effectively ends the 2024-25 season for the New York Jets. Will having a new voice in the locker room provide some momentary energy? Maybe, probably even. But will it turn this season around? Not in any appreciable way, no. Let’s face facts.
With that, the question becomes: who is the next man to take the reins of this franchise in an attempt to at least make the playoffs?
Why It Matters: And wouldn’t you know it, we have odds on some contenders already, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. The shortlist:
Ben Johnson (Lions OC): +300
Bobby Slowik (Texans OC): +400
Mike Vrabel (Former Titans HC): +500
Jeff Ulbrich (Jets DC/interim HC): +500
Kliff Kingsbury (Commanders OC): +1000
Aaron Glenn (Lions DC): +1000
Klint Kubiak (Saints OC): +1200
Brian Flores (Vikings DC): +1200
Let’s start by discounting Vrabel, Glenn, and Flores. The Jets have had one head coach with an offensive background since 2000. They’ve proven they can build superior defenses, but it’s time to field even an average offense; defensive coordinators need not apply.
Ulbrich will get his chance, but what daylight is there between he and Saleh? This is a “clean house” situation, so Ulbrich is on borrowed time himself.
Johnson and Slowik have seen their names litter the rumor landscape the last couple of offseasons, and we know Johnson pulled out of contention for at least one shot at an HC job. For these two well-regarded innovators, why would they take their first crack at the big job with the Jets? Feels like their agents are probably steering them elsewhere if given the chance.
Finally, let’s just address the biggest name out there: Bill Belichick. DK lists the odds of him returning to East Rutherford at +2000. Quadrupling those odds wouldn’t put them high enough. “Talking to the media” and “New York Jets” run neck-and-neck atop the Hoodie’s hate list — sorry Jets fans, it ain’t happening.
What We’re Watching Today
Guardians at Tigers (3:08 PM ET) – Taking Game 2 may have just put the Tigers on track to steal this series, if the percentages are to be believed. If Detroit is moving onto the ALCS, it will need to at least win one of the next two at home and set up Tarik Skubal for another start in this series.
Phillies at Mets (5:08 PM ET) – The story of this series so far has been the clutch hitting of the Mets, but more-so, the implosion of the Philadelphia bullpen. Aaron Nola was no great shakes yesterday, but the New York lineup has roughed up Philly relievers all series.
Yankees at Royals (7:08 PM ET) – Sending this series back to KC tied up and with Seth Lugo taking the mound is a dream scenario for the Royals. If Aaron Judge (one single in seven at-bats) doesn’t start hitting soon, the Bronx Bombers will be in trouble.
Dodgers at Padres (9:08 PM ET) – Momentum is firmly on the Padres’ side, and then you see the Dodgers are going with an “all hands on deck” bullpen game and…are we about to watch Dave Roberts’ team crash out of the postseason again?
The Look Ahead
Fernando Tatis Jr. TOTAL BASES – Is there a case to be made to bet against Tatis at this point? The Padres star has an extra-base hit in four of San Diego’s five postseason games so far, and will face a weakened Dodgers pitching staff tonight. Is 2+ bases really out of reach for Tatis, or just what we should expect?
