A Jets team that is expected to make significant changes to its roster, front office and coaching staff during the offseason has seen its first coaching change, albeit a small one.
Mike Smith, the Jets’ outside linebackers coach, will leave after the season to become co-defensive coordinator at Texas Tech, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports.
Smith’s departure, especially in the wake of the news that defensive coordinator Mike Pettine turned down a contract extension, could be a sign of disarray on the Jets’ coaching staff. And that wouldn’t be surprising, considering the circus of a season the Jets have had. But Texas Tech is Smith’s alma mater, and it just hired his friend and former teammate Kliff Kingsbury as its head coach, so the more likely explanation is just that Smith sees this as the right move for personal reasons.
Smith’s move will, however, ensure at least one change on the Jets’ staff this offseason. More are likely coming.