At this time last season, the Jets were looking for a new head coach, something that’s not necessary this season after winning 10 games in Todd Bowles’ first season on the sideline.
The fact that they didn’t make the playoffs illustrates that things weren’t perfect for the team during the season and Wednesday found them making a change with one of the weaker units on the team. The Jets announced that they have fired special teams coach Bobby April and assistant special teams coach Steve Hagen.
There were problems all across the special teams units for the Jets, including two punt return touchdowns allowed, a blocked punt for a touchdown and a fumbled kickoff in their first game against the Bills that became an easy touchdown in a 22-17 Jets loss. There was also a shanked punt in the second 22-17 loss to the Bills in Week 17 and shaky work from kicker Randy Bullock after the team chose him to replace the injured Nick Folk.
April, who has worked for many teams as a special teams coach over the last 25 years, spent one year with the Jets. Hagen spent three years with the Jets and assistant offensive line coach Ron Heller was also let go after three seasons. Hagen and Heller were the last two coaches on the staff held over from Rex Ryan’s final group.