As the Jets try to shake things up after a disappointing season, one coach could be headed to another AFC team.
On Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that Jets wide receivers Zach Azzanni is expected to join the Steelers as wide receivers coach. Azzanni, who coached five seasons with the Broncos before coming to New York, spent just one season with the Jets.
While Azzanni was still under contract, the team actively interviewed his replacements. On Jan. 26, Connor Hughes of SNY reported that they interviewed Titans wide receivers coach Rob Moore.
Ultimately, they decided to reunite with Shawn Jefferson, who served as the Jets’ assistant head coach/wide receivers coach under Adam Gase for two seasons (2019 and 2020).
Aside from Garrett Wilson, who caught 95 passes for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns, Jets wide receivers were universally panned in 2023. Allen Lazard was signed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the prospect of being the team’s No. 2 receiver. Instead, posted the worst season of his career, recording 23 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown.
All told, the Jets receiving corps ranked 31 of 32 teams, according to Pro Football Focus, and desperately needed a change. They believe Jefferson more than Azzanni can make that happen.
Azzanni isn’t the only member of the Jets to leave the team. On Wednesday, Hughes reported that Chad Alexander, who spent the past five seasons as director of player personnel in New York, is leaving the team to become the Chargers’ new assistant general manager.
Before that, Alexander was with the Baltimore Ravens for 20 years before he joined the Jets in 2019 when Joe Douglas was hired as general manager. He also worked closely with assistant general manager Rex Hogan, who parted ways with the Jets after the season.
Manuel Gomez may be reached at [email protected].
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