Mike LaFleur is out. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter), the Jets are moving on from their offensive coordinator. Connor Hughes of SNYtv first tweeted that the Jets were allowing the coach to “pursue other opportunities,” while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says (on Twitter) the two sides “mutually” parted ways.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini (on Twitter), teams have inquired on LaFleur‘s availability in recent days. Hughes adds that the Jets spoke with their offensive coordinator over the past few days, with the two sides ultimately deciding that it was best to move on.
This officially ends the will-they, won’t-they saga in New York. As the Jets’ playoff hopes dwindled and with the offensive averaging 15 points per game over the final three weeks, there was rampant speculation that the Jets could look to make a coaching change on the offensive side of the ball. Head coach Robert Saleh, who is a longtime friend of LaFleur, backed his OC in recent weeks, noting the organization’s committed “to go young everywhere – coaches, players, staff, everybody.”
The rumors seemed to hit a peak earlier today when Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork tweeted that LaFleur and the organization had parted way. Jets beat reporters were quick to refute that report, with Hughes tweeting tonight that the Jets’ initially planned to keep LaFleur as their offensive coordinator. Indeed, a source told Josina Anderson that the discussions were finalized “over the last couple of hours” (Twitter link).
The Jets will begin their OC search tomorrow, according to Costello (on Twitter). Saleh previously said that he wants to hire a veteran offensive coach that can fill the role previously held by Greg Knapp, per Cimini (on Twitter). It’s uncertain if he’ll be seeking similar qualities in a new offensive coordinator. Any new addition will have immense pressure to improve an offense that has major question marks at quarterback.
LaFleur‘s two years in New York proved to be a disappointment, with the Jets ranking mostly in the back-half of the league in most offensive categories. Still, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently wrote, LaFleur is respected around the NFL for “his play designs and understanding of the Shanahan system,” with the coach having spent four years as the 49ers passing game coordinator before joining Saleh in New York. There are three other squads with offensive coordinator openings, and if LaFleur is already generating interest, there’s a chance he lands on his feet relatively quickly.
The Jets will have a handful of additional coaching vacancies to fill. Fowler tweets that the organization will also be looking to hire a replacement for wide receivers coach Miles Austin, who is facing a suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, and an assistant defensive line coach.
Wow. Wonder what the friction between him and Saleh was like. From the outside, it seems hard to blame LaFleur for an offense that was yanked down by a disastrous QB situation and a huge number of offensive line injuries. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him excel elsewhere.
Agreed. I wanted him to stay 100%
It’s kind of the OC job to develop qbs
The QB coach died right before his rookie season. Also: Some QBs are duds.
Well, Mike White made a lot more progress under LaFleur than during his first 3 years in the league…
There was no helping Wilson, that was such an overdraft reach
His biggest hype throw during the draft process was when he ran to his right and threw deep across his body. Great pass, but the 1st thing everyone tells QB’s, don’t throw across your body!
And if you make the simple stuff look impossible, it doesn’t matter if you can make hero throws.
This must be personal. The whole world knows we had complete garbage play at QB all year.
Also when we had Breece Hall our offense was at least decent, even without a QB.
One part of me hopes the story comes out but then one part hopes it doesn’t. I’d rather my franchise operate while keeping those things professional and in house.
Grace and professionalism? Wouldn’t that be nice. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s more a butting of heads than some kind of sensational drama. It also wouldn’t shock me if LaFleur had simply lost the players on offense. The receivers showed a whole lot of on-field frustration this season, and it’s hard to blame them.
They’re a lock to bring back Adam Gase……right?
Adam Gase the OC was great. Adam Gase the HC.. not so much. Would Gase want to return to the Jets after being fired as HC probably not.
Adam Gase the OC was great?
Yes won a super bowl with Manning
The Jets offensive line-up had maybe one good player in it. I doubt any OC could have done much with that motley crew, i.e., no matter how much you beat a mule it isn’t ever going to win the Kentucky derby…
LaFleur needed to go. offense was way too predictable and boring. run, run, throw 4 yards. Offensive line was abysmal the 2nd half, and no QB was gonna strive with bad play calling and bad OLine. Offense needs more plays down the field.
Maybe run, run, check down was because his QBs couldn’t do anything else.
Matt Milano was a bigger problem for the Jets offense than LaFleur was.
Now his brother needs to be canned in Green Bay.
“part ways”
“Mike, please leave, the door is that way”.