Jets 'mutually' part ways with OC Mike LaFleur
The New York Jets are now in search of a new offensive coordinator. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets have mutually agreed to part ways with Mike LaFleur, allowing the young OC to "seek other opportunities" amid several inquiries from outside teams.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC in Houston was the first to announce that the Jets had fired LaFleur, despite reports to the contrary throughout the day.
LaFleur came under fire for the poor play of quarterback and former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, who the Jets benched several times throughout a turbulent second season under center. Earlier this week, Wilson had his now-former offensive coordinator's back, telling The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, "I wish I played better for him and for everybody in this locker room."
Running back Breece Hall said he thinks LaFleur is a "good coach," adding that the blame for this season's struggles isn't all on the offensive coordinator.
LaFleur is out after only two seasons with the Jets.
The Jets' offense ended the year ranked 15th (219.0) in passing yards, 25th in rushing yards (99.2) and total yards (318.2), and 29th (17.4) overall in points.
ESPN's Rich Cimini provided a short list of possible replacements for LaFleur in New York, including two with ties to Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Among the candidates are Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell and ex-Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who worked with Saleh with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. Cimini also named Los Angeles Rams senior assistant Greg Olson and Kansas City Chiefs senior assistant/quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy.
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