In a shocking turn of events, Jets owner Woody Johnson candidly admitted he needs to improve as an owner after a disappointing 5-12 season. The usually hands-off Johnson got more involved than ever before in 2024, firing head coach Robert Saleh mid-season for the first time in his 25-year tenure. The move backfired as the team went 3-9 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.
Frustrated by the losing despite what he called the best roster he’s ever had, Johnson reportedly interfered with some personnel decisions, much to the chagrin of the front office and coaching staff. When pressed on whether he plans to be more hands-off in 2025, the 77-year-old shot back, “You don’t believe those reports, do you? It was a lot of exaggeration and hyperbole, it really was. You really have to take all that stuff with a grain of salt.”
Jets’ playoff drought reaches 14 years
The Jets made the playoffs in six of Johnson’s first 11 seasons as owner. But they are now mired in a 14-year postseason drought, the longest active slump in North American sports. When asked how he can improve, Johnson pointed to the hiring of new head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey as “the two leaders of this team.”
“That’s part of it,” Johnson explained. “The second is just to have — I’ve got to have patience or whatever. I’ve got to let them evolve in these positions, which I think they will. I think it’ll be quick, but I think they’ll evolve.”
“Absolutely, I have to look in the mirror, and I have to be a better owner. And I’m trying to be better.”
– Woody Johnson, New York Jets owner
The frank admission and vow to improve from the long-time Jets owner comes as a surprise. Johnson has rarely taken accountability so directly for the team’s on-field failures. Whether his increased involvement last season was an aberration or a sign of things to come remains to be seen. But the pressure is mounting to turn things around quickly.
- The Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010
- New coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey face a critical year to change the team’s fortunes
All eyes will be on Johnson to see if he can reign himself in and empower his new leadership duo to operate without interference. If the losing continues, calls for an ownership change in New York will only grow louder. The time for Johnson to back up his words with actions is now. The long-suffering Jets fans are counting on it.
