Watch CBS News

Palladino: Change In Philosophy — Jets Should Sign Marrone ASAP!

By Ernie Palladino
» More Ernie Palladino Columns

Intriguing things which cause an organization to suddenly change course sometimes occur in football. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

What happened Wednesday in Buffalo qualifies as one of those. Bills head coach Doug Marrone decided he didn't want to work with the team's new owner Terry Pegula and exercised an option in his contract that allowed him to leave and still pick up the $4 million the Bills owed him for 2015, no strings attached.

The move probably will lead to an interview with the Jets much sooner than later. And the fact of the matter is, it wouldn't be a bad thing if Woody Johnson flat-out hired his Bronx-born, former offensive line coach right then and there.

This is where the change in tactics comes in. This space has always believed Johnson should hire his general manager first, and then let the new guy hire his own man. But Marrone could well have multiple offers, and it would do Johnson well to lock him down quickly. Then, he could seek Marrone's input into the GM hiring to ensure front office harmony.

Of course, the fact that Marrone took advantage of an option that will effectively allow him to collect free money might trigger some questions about character and ethics in the minds of some fans. But Marrone would not be the first coach to come to the Jets under questionable circumstances. Need anyone be reminded of how Leon Hess brought in the organization's last truly great coach, Bill Parcells? Hess hired him as an "advisor" to Bill Belichick after Parcells tendered New England owner Bob Kraft his resignation.

That triggered Kraft's threat of a lawsuit, since Parcells' contract prohibited him from coaching another team. It took commissioner Paul Tagliabue to broker a deal that sent four draft picks New England's way for Parcells' services.

The move was wildly successful for the Jets.

Marrone may never have the same results as Parcells. Given the current list of candidates, though, the former Syracuse coach appears a perfect fit. He comes from the offensive side of the ball, he'll never generate a Rex Ryan level of buffoonery, and he comes off a season where he brought the floundering Buffalo franchise to the brink of the playoffs despite a serious quarterback issue.

Judging by how he pulled EJ Manuel for Kyle Orton after four games, Marrone would have Geno Smith on a short leash, assuming the self-proclaimed Pro Bowler-In-Waiting makes it that far. Marrone worked wonders with Orton, who has never had more than journeyman talent to match with a journeyman career. And he wasn't afraid to yank Manuel, the 16th pick overall in the 2013 draft.

When that huge snowstorm inundated Ralph Wilson Stadium, paralyzed his practice week, and forced relocation of the Jets game, Marrone still had his team prepared sufficiently for a 38-3 pounding in Detroit.

Perhaps his best, though, is that he is a Tom Coughlin disciple. That means discipline, precision and preparation. According to The Post, Marrone and Coughlin have met once a year, and Coughlin has been hugely supportive of the former Dolphins and Saints offensive lineman.

This space touted Jon Gruden just a couple of days ago. He was probably a longshot, anyway, considering his comfort level at ESPN and a new long-term contract. He'd still be a good fit.

But sometimes things happen in football that create shifts in philosophy. This is one of them.

Forget about the preliminary list. Go sign Marrone. Then give Marrone whatever input necessary into the general manager hire.

It's not a sexy signing. He won't command many back pages.

But ask this: What's better, a season full of entertaining quotes or a winning season?

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.