Despite looking like playoff contenders at one point, the new york jets The 2022 season was ultimately defined by a struggling offense and a frustrated quarterback who couldn’t seem to make things click, even with the unwavering support of his head coach.
But behind closed doors, the situation was more complex than what fans on the field and in the media saw.
Zach Wilson of the New York Jets before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
(Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Jets announced a series of coaching changes late in the season, led by the departure of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who had just completed his second season at NY.
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«Over the course of a few days, we got a lot of inquiries about his availability from some teams and just by talking to Mike, we felt it would be in everyone’s best interests if he took advantage of those opportunities,» coach Robert Saleh said at a news conference last week. pass.
«I always try to do the right thing by people. He had options and there was a lot of discussion in the last three days. You know I love Mike, I love his family. There were some [opportunities] that he wanted to continue and we just gave him the ability to do it.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, left, stands with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur during a morning practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on July 29, 2021 in Florham Park, New Jersey.
(Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Although LaFleur had Saleh’s full support, they worked together with the san francisco 49ers – Some players took issue with their offensive coordinator’s process.
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According to The Athletic, some players thought LaFleur’s system was «unnecessarily complicated», including the quarterback. Zach Wilson. LaFleur reportedly adjusted his scheme to match Wilson’s capabilities after a poor rookie season.
But despite softening it up, Wilson still struggled and became publicly frustrated. Naturally, he also did the offense.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur of the New York Jets before the Philadelphia Eagles game at MetLife Stadium on December 5, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
(Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
According to the report, second-year wide receiver Elijah Moore got into a heated exchange with LaFleur after going unattacked during the Jets’ Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. green Bay Packers, which ultimately resulted in him requesting a trade from the team.
«Fuck you» and «you suck,» were some of the things Moore reportedly yelled at LaFleur during an ensuing practice. They sent him home and soon after he requested a trade.
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Although Mike LaFleur had the full support of head coach Robert Saleh (they had worked alongside the san francisco 49ers), some players took issue with their offensive coordinator’s process.
(Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The problem resolved itself and in Week 12 against the chicago Bears, Moore scored his first touchdown of the season on a 22-yard pass from Mike White, Wilson’s backup seemingly stealing the show and the support of his teammates.
«I’m just grateful to be able to stand here today and be the person that I know I am and contribute to a winning game. I’m truly blessed,» he said after the game.
New York Jets’ Mike White speaks with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur during the Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York.
(Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
The Jets will look to change their offense first with a new offensive coordinator. Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired by the Denver Broncos this season after just 15 games, reportedly interviewed with the Jets on Wednesday.
They will also have to fill in for offensive line coach John Benton and wide receivers coach Miles Austin after their respective firings.