Getting to Know Brian Johnson

Edition #311

Good morning!

This week has been a mighty challenge and I’m looking forward to kicking back with a few beers this weekend and catching up on some playoff football.

A lot happens in the NFL in a week and I’m looking forward to seeing what next week brings, potentially a new offensive coordinator for the Jets.

After spending a couple of days looking at the QB position, we’re going to flip our attention back to the OC search with a look at Brian Johnson.

I quickly wanted to say a big thank you to all subscribers, TJW is now an official best seller on Substack thanks to all those who have upgraded to a paid subscription. It doesn't go unnoticed and it doesn't go unappreciated. 🙏

🚨 Congratulations to Jets assistant coach Pat Bastien who will be coaching the American League running backs at the Senior Bowl. Bastien joined the Jets staff from Toledo last year and he’s seen as an up-and-comer in coaching circles. Nice bit of recognition.

☠️ It was referenced here a couple of days ago, but the Bucs officially fired Byron Leftwich yesterday. Fully expecting him to get an interview request from the Jets for their vacant OC position.

💼 Baltimore Ravens OC Greg Roman has stepped down to pursue “other opportunities” - Wonder if he gets linked with the Jets opening?

🤝 Harbaugh and DeCosta came out yesterday in full support of Lamar Jackson staying a Raven. The GM said they're not even gonna talk trades and the HC said that Lamar will 200% be in Baltimore next year, and he'd help with the search for a new OC.

🚗 David Carr was on Harvester Sports talking about his brother Derek, who we focused on in yesterdays newsletter: “Right now it’s a little touchy. There’s some things going on. They’re trying to work a trade. Derek has to accept the trade.” - At least we know the Raiders are working on trading him.

Earlier this week we learned that Eagles QB coach Brian Johnson had met the Jets about their vacant offensive coordinator position.

When the Jets said they’d cast their net far and wide, they weren’t kidding.

Not only did they request interviews with experienced NFL coordinators like Darrell Bevell and Nathaniel Hackett, but they’re also looking at the up-and-coming generation.

With the way NFL interviews are conducted now, often over Zoom, you can rattle through a lot of prospects in very little time.

No expensive hotels and restaurants, no flight delays, and NY traffic slowing things down. You can afford to interview more candidates.

Brian Johnson is an interesting name. There is an absolute ton to like about the Eagles man, but there is that one pitfall that I keep coming back to.

He’s never called plays at the NFL level, and that’s a risky hire however you look at it.

As you can see from his coaching timeline, not only has he not called plays in the NFL but before Philadelphia, he’d never coached in the NFL full stop.

But now we’ve got that negative out of the way, let’s focus on all the positives and there are plenty to get to.