(East Rutherford) New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas will continue to manage the team next season as planned.
Owner Woody Johnson told the New York Post on Sunday that he won’t make any changes to the team’s leadership, even after a disastrous season that left him out of the playoffs for a 13th straight year — the longest active streak in major North American professional sport.
“My decision is to keep them,” Johnson told the daily before the game between the Jets and the Washington Commanders on Sunday. I believe we made some positive moves. The team culture is much better. The defense is better. The attack needs a few more elements. »
Johnson admitted that the return of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers next season was a big factor in the decision. Rodgers, 40, tore his left Achilles tendon on his fourth play with the Jets, who were eliminated from playoff contention last Sunday in a 30-0 loss to the Dolphins from Miami.
Earlier this week, Rodgers expressed his full support for Saleh, Douglas and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
“Simply to have continuity with Aaron and our team,” Johnson said to explain his decision. As I said a year ago, we need a quarter. We had a quarter for four plays. Since then, we have not been able to replace it. When you have a shift, everyone’s job becomes easier. It makes the offensive line better, the receivers better. »
The Jets were 5-9 before facing the Commanders and the offense ranked last in the NFL.
