The New York Jets are one of 10 teams looking to fill their offensive coordinator position across the league and the pool just got a whole lot wider.
Baltimore announced that offensive coordinator Greg Roman would not return to the team, ending a four-year run with the team and setting numerous franchise records in the process. Under Roman’s tutelage, Lamar Jackson became an MVP candidate and Baltimore has been to the playoffs in three of the last four seasons.
Concerns of a struggling passing attack and lack of improvement with backup quarterbacks ultimately led to Roman’s tenure stalling in Baltimore.
Roman’s departure means that two offensive coordinators on playoff teams will not be returning to the team, with Joe Lombardi being the other in Los Angeles. It also leaves the Jets with a much deeper pool than they originally began with as they search for a replacement for Mike LaFleur.
There are pros and cons to any top coordinator jumping on the open market. In reality for the Jets, it really comes down to two points.
Roman’s ability to adapt
Apart from what people in Baltimore say about their archaic passing attack, Roman has shown the ability to adapt to whichever quarterback is starting for his team. When he was the offensive coordinator in San Francisco, Roman helped both Alex Smit and Colin Kaepernick, two completely different quarterbacks, gain success in a difficult division.
Changing Baltimore’s offense to fit Lamar Jackson’s passing style was another feather in the cap of a long history of adapting to the players he has.
That would help the Jets with whoever ends up starting at quarterback for them in 2023. Whether it’s pocket passers like Derek Carr and Jimmy G, or scramblers like Lamar, Roman has shown the ability to get the most out of his signal-callers.
Don’t count on a Lamar Reunion
We’ve seen teams in recent years try and hire coaches in the hopes that they bring their former quarterback with them. That doesn’t always happen though and could end up with disastrous results.
While Greg Roman is certainly available to help the Jets out on offense, don’t count on Lamar Jackson to follow him. Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh mentioned that the former league MVP would have a say in Roman’s replacement and is still working on getting a long-term extension done with the team.
What does that mean? It means Lamar Jackson isn’t leaving Baltimore. So while Greg Roman could certainly help modernize the Jets’ offensive system and potentially bring a fresh face to the quarterback room, it doesn’t mean he’ll be able to get one to come with him just by his persona alone.
