Why Did The New York Jets Fire Offensive Coordinator John Morton?

We have parted ways with OC John Morton.

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— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 17, 2018

Shortly after 6 P.M. EST the New York Jets confirmed outside reports they had fired Offensive Coordinator John Morton, after just one season. Most will find the move as a shock, as he managed to get this putrid offense to nearly 19 points a game, even though he was thrown into a suicide mission down the stretch with Bryce Petty as his quarterback.

Morton got a career season out of 38-year-old journeyman Josh McCown and actually aided in the development of turning Robby Anderson into a starting NFL receiver. To find the last wide receiver that we actually groomed you’d have to go back over a decade to Jerricho Cotchery. The former New Orleans Saints assistant even resurrected the tight end position for the franchise and helped turn Austin Seferian-Jenkins’ career around.

Now, all of this doesn’t make sense, so I will offer up some possibilities as to what happened. I recently heard Jets beat-writer, Manish Mehta, talk about how Morton was really co-Offensive Coordinator with Quarterbacks Coach Jeremy Bates, who had a huge role in game-planning. With Bates heavily involved, maybe something happened behind the scenes where the Jets are choosing to move ahead with him, rather than Johnny Mo.

Jets recent OC history: Brian Schottenheimer (2006-11), Tony Sparano (2012), Marty Mornhinweg (2013-14), Chan Gailey (2015-16), John Morton (2017). #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 17, 2018

Obviously, after one season you’d think Morton earned the right to see his system through with more talent on the offensive side of the ball coming in 2018. The one thing I really respected out of him was the amount of early leads the Jets got off to this year. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many points in the first quarter from NYJ offenses, which are usually asleep until halftime. May need the Elias Sports Bureau to back me up there.

For a regime that so intently wants to establish a “culture,” having a revolving door at offensive coordinator is not a good look. I don’t think one has lasted more than two seasons since Brian Schottenheimer left in 2011. Instead of doing all of the complaining, I will offer up some names to watch as possible replacement candidates.

Todd Bowles and Todd Haley worked together with the Cowboys in 2005-06. There is some familiarity there. Something to keep an eye on. #nyj

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) January 17, 2018

Jeremy Bates – Current Jets QB Coach

Todd Haley – Recently Fired as Steelers OC

Jim Bob Cooter – Current Lions OC (Does Matt Patricia bring in new offensive staff?)

Brian Callahan – Current Lions QB Coach (Jets denied chance to interview him last off-season)

John DeFilippo – Current Eagles QB Coach (Philly denied Jets the chance to interview him for OC job last off-season)