Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary – Hour 2: Jets Hire OC
Release Date: January 31, 2025
In the "Hour 2: Jets Hire OC" episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts ESPN New York legends Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg engage in an in-depth discussion about the New York Jets' recent coaching staff changes, focusing primarily on the hiring of Offensive Coordinator Tanner Angstrom. The episode provides listeners with comprehensive insights into the implications of these hires, the quarterback situation, and the team's future prospects.
1. Jets’ Offensive Coordinator Hire
The episode kicks off with Alan Hahn introducing the latest developments in the Jets' coaching staff (00:05). He announces that the Jets have secured Tanner Angstrom as their new Offensive Coordinator, signaling a strategic move to bolster their offensive strategies. Angstrom, previously the passing game coordinator for the Detroit Lions under Ben Johnson, brings valuable experience from one of the league's most innovative offenses (01:00).
Rich Samini, a seasoned sports reporter and guest on the show, delves into the nuances of this hire:
“Aaron Glenn has now hired two coordinators. I'm talking about Chris Banjo as the special teams coordinator. He's only got two years of NFL coaching experience and now he's hiring Angstrand, who has no play calling experience. So two very inexperienced hires for Aaron Glenn.” (02:33)
Samini expresses concerns about the inexperience of both Angstrom and Banjo, highlighting the potential risks associated with appointing relatively unseasoned coaches to pivotal roles.
Don LaGreca raises critical questions about Angstrom’s hiring:
“The inexperience and why did Detroit pass over him? He had success there. Why did Campbell not hire him as his OC?” (02:18)
This skepticism sets the stage for a broader discussion on the Jets' strategic direction and the balance between innovation and experience in their coaching hires.
2. Other Coaching Staff Appointments
Beyond the Offensive Coordinator, the Jets have made several other significant hires:
- Steve Wilkes has been appointed as the Defensive Coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience and stability to the Jets' defense (02:00).
- Darren Mugi steps into the role of General Manager, marking another first-time appointment within the Jets' front office (04:00).
- Chris Banjo joins as the Special Teams Coordinator, recommended strongly by Mike Westhoff despite his limited experience (04:00).
Samini comments on the potential challenges of having a front office and coaching staff largely comprised of first-timers, emphasizing the importance of cohesion and expertise in these roles.
3. Impact on Quarterback Situation
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Jets' quarterback conundrum, particularly concerning Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson.
Don LaGreca addresses the swirling rumors about Aaron Rodgers possibly departing:
“It is surprising that everyone seems to believe the bet is Rodgers is gone. And I'm fine with that.” (11:18)
He questions the consensus that Rodgers is leaving and contemplates the implications for the team's future.
Rich Samini provides a balanced perspective:
“I think Rodgers is not going to be back on the team. And I don't think that's an Garrett Wilson thing. I think that's just a new regime thing.” (07:31)
Samini suggests that Rodgers' potential departure is more about the new management's vision rather than any issues between Rodgers and Wilson.
Peter Rosenberg probes the possibility of both Rodgers and Wilson remaining with the team, a scenario Samini and others quickly dismiss as unlikely:
“I wouldn't rule that out. I mean, I don't think Rodgers is going to be back on the team.” (07:37)
This segment reflects on the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position and the strategic decisions the Jets must make moving forward.
4. Debates and Opinions on Future Strategy
The hosts and guests engage in a spirited debate about the Jets' strategic direction, particularly regarding the quarterback position and the effectiveness of recent hires.
Referencing a debate between Bart Scott and Dan Graziano, the conversation highlights divergent views on Aaron Rodgers' role and the expectations for winning seasons:
“...they are not going to get it as well as he hopes... it's absolutely insane to even consider bringing this player back.” (16:04 - 16:42)
Don LaGreca counters the notion that Rodgers was solely responsible for the previous season's shortcomings:
“I just take exception to the fact that it's seems like the feeling around some people is Rodgers was the reason last year was a disaster. I think that's unfair.” (17:12)
This debate underscores the complexity of attributing team performance to individual players versus systemic issues within the organization.
5. Draft Prospects and Future Moves
As the episode progresses, the conversation shifts to the Jets' draft prospects, especially regarding the quarterback position. Rich Samini mentions emerging talents like Allen, who have impressed at the Senior Bowl, suggesting that the Jets have viable options to consider:
“...he could push himself into the conversation where 1, 2 and 3 could be all quarterbacks once again.” (22:43)
The discussion also touches on the challenges of drafting a quarterback who fits the new coaching staff's system, considering Angstrom's offensive philosophy.
6. Concluding Thoughts
The episode concludes with a reflection on the Jets' offseason moves, balancing optimism for the new coaching hires and Garrett Wilson's potential against the uncertainties posed by an inexperienced Offensive Coordinator and ongoing quarterback debates.
Don LaGreca shares a personal perspective on the team's talent and future prospects:
“I thought that this team would win the division the last two years because I thought they were that good with Aaron Rodgers. I ended up being wrong.” (20:27)
This honest assessment highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the challenges the Jets face in aligning their talent with effective coaching.
Notable Quotes:
- Rich Samini (02:33): “Two very inexperienced hires for Aaron Glenn.”
- Don LaGreca (02:18): “Why did Detroit pass over him? He had success there.”
- Don LaGreca (11:18): “It is surprising that everyone seems to believe the bet is Rodgers is gone.”
- Rich Samini (07:31): “I think Rodgers is not going to be back on the team.”
- Don LaGreca (17:12): “Rodgers was the reason last year was a disaster. I think that's unfair.”
This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Jets' recent coaching hires and the ensuing quarterback uncertainty, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the team's current state and future trajectory.