Kliffhanger: My Campaign for Kliff Kingsbury as the Jets Next Offensive Coordinator

Photo Credit: Chris Szagola/AP Photo.

Before I begin, I want to give a quick take on the Jets hiring their new defensive coordinator, Brian Duker, who was the Miami Dolphins’ pass game coordinator/secondary coach last season.

 I’m of the opinion that just because you don’t know someone, doesn’t mean they’re not any good; however, I thought there were more qualified candidates that they interviewed, such as Wink Martindale, Jim Leonhard, as a matter of fact, Sean McDermott is still out there--unless he decides to take some time off.

Nevertheless, this is who Aaron Glenn chose, and, in fact, he is familiar with him. Duker worked with Glenn when they were on the Detroit Lions staff from 2021-23, so perhaps he knows something we don’t or perhaps there’s at least some truth to the rumors that no one wants to work with Glenn, so he settled for Duker. Who knows? Anyway, from my understanding, Glenn is going to call the defensive plays, so it looks like Duker is more of a decoy or an apprentice at best. Now, on to the topic at hand.

They’re now searching for a new offensive coordinator after recently firing Tanner Engstram. They have completed five interviews, so far, and of the list of candidates, I saw two no-nos, one I’m vaguely familiar with, one I never heard of, and one I wouldn’t mind if they’re not able to get the one I would like them to hire, more on that in a little bit.

While Darrell Bevell and Greg Roman has had some success in the NFL, their offenses are too conservative, which is why I think the latter in particular was removed in Baltimore and most recently Los Angeles (Chargers).  I’m not a fan of  a conservative defense, but I despise a conservative offense.

I remember Ronald Curry mainly when he was a receivers coach for the Saints, and I’m not familiar with Lunda Wells at all. Frank Reich isn’t who I have in mind, but I wouldn’t mind him if they’re not able to get or if they’re not interested in hiring the guy I recommend: Kliff Kingsbury.

A disciple of the Air Raid Offense, Kingsbury will bring the life and energy that has been needed in the Jets offense for years. Along with a fast-paced passing game is a blend of the running game.

He would also be a perfect fit if the Jets were to trade for Kyler Murray. He coached Kyler in Arizona in the 2019-23, and Murray has had the most success with Kingsbury, in my opinion. As a quick side note, the last time the Cardinals made the playoffs was with Kingsbury as head coach.

He was instrumental in developing Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who set the rookie record for most rushing yards by a rookie QB, won Offensive Rookie of the Year, was a Pro Bowler, and was one game away from the Super Bowl that season.

With the right players in place between free agency and the draft, bringing Kingsbury on board to run the offense would be one of, if not the best move for Aaron Glenn's staff.

Year In Review: Should the Jets Keep Aaron Glenn?

 

Photo Credit: Ishika Sarmant/Getty Images.

“Jesus Christ in a Cardigan sweater.”

-Alison Peters, Tales from the Crypt (episode, Seance)

The season is over; well, to me, the season was over since Week 5. As far as I’m concerned, the season couldn’t have ended fast enough. They finished the season 3-14, and after yet another forgettable season, the question has arised from spectators whether or not the New York Jets should keep head coach Aaron Glenn.

Well, I understand the frustrations of fans, especially seeing that the team seemingly gave absolutely no effort towards the end of the season, getting blown out in the last five games, and throughout most of the season. They made NFL history by becoming the first team to go an entire season without intercepting a pass. So yes, I definitely understand why some fans want him out of there. 

What baffles me is why he fired (defensive coordinator) Steve Wilks, but kept (offensive coordinator) Tanner Engstram, when the offense was just as bad as the defense, in some cases, worse. Most of the time, the offense was constantly putting the defense on the field--well, there were times when the offense got going and the defense was slacking, but it was usually the former. The only bright spot was the running game. Breece Hall went over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.

So far, I don't see what he sees. The only thing I can think of is he (Glenn) brought Engstram with him from the Detroit Lions staff. Perhaps that’s why he seems to be getting a longer leach, so to speak. I’m not the conspiracy theory type, but there are some things that make you go hmmm… 

The Justin Fields experiment was a disaster. I tried to give him a chance; I saw flashes from his previous teams with Chicago and Pittsburgh, but he answered the question I asked before the season started, and the answer was an emphatic hell no! While he wasn't the only one with the abysmal quarterback play, he was designated as the starter heading into the season.

Now, as far as whether or not I think they should keep Aaron Glenn, I gave the other two jokers (Adam Gase and Robert Saleh) a chance, and I think it’s only fair that I give him a chance. Personally, I want to see him succeed. I was fan of his when he was a player, and till this day I think he’s one of the most underrated defensive backs to ever step on the field, but that was as a player. Being a player and a head coach are two totally different things.

You know, I get tired of writing these types of posts. I would love to write something speaking well of the team, speaking of them in the same light as the other (consistent) contenders of the league. In other words, those who are competing in the playoffs, particularly championships, nearly every season. Hopefully, that will start next season.