Woody Johnson bought the Jets in 2000, and the last 24 years have been miserable under his stewardship. Why should anybody think the future will be different? It won’t … unless Johnson sells the team.
Despite high expectations that Aaron Rodgers would lead the 2024 team to victories, the Jets (3-8) are in the middle of what could be the worst season since horrendous back-to-back years in 1995 (3-13) and 1996 (1-15). Head coach Robert Saleh (2-3) was fired in early October, and Jeff Ulbrich (1-5) has done worse. Then, this past Tuesday, Joe Douglas was let go as the team’s General Manager.
Now that Douglas is gone, Jets fans are championing hiring a GM from the Kansas City or Detroit staff. It sounds good, but there is one big problem: Woody Johnson.
The Jets’ owner constantly meddles. For example, Johnson fired Saleh without seeking Douglas’ input, and he was the point person—not his GM—when the team acquired Davante Adams. And there’s more … much more. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Johnson suggested that Aaron Rodgers be benched after the Jets’ 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos on September 29. In the same report, Russini mentioned that Johnson handcuffed Douglas in giving an extension to Bryce Huff, who eventually left as a free agent. Johnson also said no to Douglas about acquiring Jerry Jeudy for Allen Lazard and a second-round pick; ordered the coaching staff to bench productive safety Tony Adams on Sunday’s Jets 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on November 17; and wanted Jets’ players to stay in New Jersey until Tuesday during the team’s bye week.
Also, remember that this owner fired Eric Mangini in 2008, minutes after the Jets missed the playoffs, losing to the Dolphins 24-17 in a winner-take-all battle for the AFC East title. And he’s the owner who helped the Jets acquire Tim Tebow–even though Rex Ryan, Mike Tannenbaum, and a number of players had no interest in that circus. Today, add Bill Belichick trashing Johnson, and you have to ask, Why would a GM candidate want to come to the Jets?
Look, Johnson can do what he wants; he is the owner of all. That said, Johnson’s style and approach haven’t worked and—let’s face it—don’t make sense when you think about how successful organizations work in any field. It’s abnormal for the owner to play GM and to micromanage the way Johnson does. So, again, why would any prospective general manager want to work for an owner like that?
Even if Johnson works for Donald Trump as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, having faith in his brother, Chris Johnson, is a tall order. He’s the guy who offered Adam Gase to the Jets as their head coach. His career there ended up 9-23.
What’s the best option? SELL THE TEAM!
Meanwhile, Jets fans have to suffer under Johnson’s inept watch. When Johnson finally sells, Jets fans can trade on hope. Hope-less is what they have now.
