One of the best things about owning a business is that the owner can’t be fired. Sometimes, however, he should be.
When it comes to the Jets, owner Woody Johnson deserves much of the blame for the mess that culminated in Monday’s house cleaning. By firing G.M. Mike Tannenbaum two years ago but insisting on keeping coach Rex Ryan two weeks ago, Johnson created a mess that was destined to lead to what should have happened two years ago.
The statement from Johnson announcing the termination of G.M. John Idzik and coach Rex Ryan confirms that Johnson will obtain “guidance and support” from Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf.
“We will consider all options to improve the Jets,” Johnson said. “Getting the Jets back on track is my top priority, and today’s decisions are important steps towards achieving our goals.”
The way for the Jets to achieve their goals includes the owner getting out of the way. While he’ll never fire himself, he needs to resist the urge to tinker or to make changes. Find people who know what they are doing and let them do it.
Go to the games. Have fun. Sign the checks. And keep away from the team.
It’s a smart approach for most NFL owners. For Johnson, it’ll be one of the key ingredients to getting the Jets to where Johnson wants them to be.