Heimerdinger doesn't want to stay... (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

Not sure if this is getting national attention this morning but it was the talk of local sports radio on my drive into the city.

As you probably saw by now, Eric Mangini has parted ways with Donnie Henderson but decided to keep OC Mike Heimerdinger on board. A few days ago I had said that it would be a coup for Mangini if he kept 'dinger but there was some debate as to whether he could/should.

Well now the decision has been made it seems, but the plot thickens.

From the NY Daily News [via the Blogger]

Mike stays in first sign of Bradway-Mangini rift

It took only three days for Eric Mangini to experience his first crisis as the Jets' coach - and it reeks on many different levels.

In a surprising move, Mangini informed offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger yesterday that he will be retained in the same capacity. Just one problem: Heimerdinger, a holdover from Herm Edwards' staff and one of three in-house candidates bypassed for the head coach position, wants out.

Sound familiar?

Eleven days after "trading" Edwards to the Chiefs, the Jets are faced with another untenable coaching situation. It could have significant ramifications. If GM Terry Bradway is strong-arming Mangini - one league source said Mangini didn't want Heimerdinger - it undercuts the rookie coach's authority.

Heimerdinger, hired one year ago today, still has two years remaining on his contract at $1 million and $1.2 million. The Jets, who would be responsible for a portion of that if they fire him and he gets another job, apparently believe he should honor the contract. They also may not want to start over with a new system.

The team made no official announcement on Heimerdinger, who apparently doesn't feel the same loyalty because the coach who hired him - Edwards - is gone. He can't be thrilled by the prospect of working for the man who landed the job he coveted. Heimerdinger also knows that he probably has a job waiting for him in Denver, where Mike Shanahan - his former college roommate and close friend - will be looking for a coordinator once Gary Kubiak officially is named the Texans' coach.

Heimerdinger was said to be furious, and there was no mistaking his mood in a brief phone conversation with the Daily News.

Asked about his status, Heimerdinger said, "I'm the offensive coordinator of the Jets."

Are you happy about that?

"Next question."

Do you want to coach for the Jets?

"Next question."

Heimerdinger declined further comment. He is stuck because if he quits, he forfeits his salary and his rights remain with the Jets, who could prevent him from coaching elsewhere until 2008. Bradway didn't return calls seeking comment. It's hard to imagine the team keeping a disgruntled coach, so the situation probably is fluid.

Many NFL observers were stunned that Mangini rehired an Edwards holdover for the most important position on his staff. This could be a matter of Bradway, widely criticized for letting Edwards escape his contract, trying to show he's no pushover.

"This makes no sense," one person with knowledge of the situation said. "It's like a hostage (situation)."

Most new coaches bring in their own people, but Mangini named two holdovers as coordinators: Heimerdinger and Bob Sutton, a linebackers coach who was promoted to defensive coordinator. Special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff also could be retained; his status will be known today.

Mangini has no prior working experience with these coaches, which should raise eyebrows. Because of his inexperience, the 35-year-old Mangini has a small network of coaching cronies, limiting his ability to assemble a staff.

Some close to the situation believe Mangini is being forced to retain the coaches because owner Woody Johnson doesn't want to eat their contracts. In Heimerdinger's case, the Jets could be trying to force him to quit or agree to a small settlement package - which would be a classless way to save a few bucks.

If the Jets really do want to retain Heimerdinger, it makes Mangini look like a puppet. In his introductory news conference, Mangini said he has the final say on coaching hires, but he quickly added, "We're going to make a collective decision."

League sources said Mangini wanted to hire Browns offensive line coach Jeff Davidson as his coordinator, although it's possible the Browns blocked that move. Even so, it's hard to imagine that Mangini took the job without knowing that Heimerdinger was a possibility.

Which raises a question: If Bradway thinks so highly of Heimerdinger, why didn't the Jets make him the head coach?

"I would hope this has an amiable conclusion," said Heimerdinger's agent, Bob Lamonte, who hopes to speak with Bradway today. "I have 30 years' experience in this business and every head coach should have the ability to pick his coordinators."

Obviously it serves no purpose for the Jets and a new head coach trying to turn the page to have a OC on staff who openly has no interest in being there. I think this is clearly a situation where Bradway wants 'dinger to quit and thus release the Jets from any portion of 'dingers contract. I can't blame the Jets for not wanting to pay the guy if he wants out, that's their call, but it would be shocking to envision Heiemerdinger remaining onboard in New York at this point despite yesterday's misleading headlines.In another story [from the Newark Star-Ledger], Heimerdinger more explicitly explains his unhappiness...

Heimerdinger: Jets Won't Let Me Leave

Jets offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger is confused and upset.

A few days after being told the club felt he wasn't good enough to be their new head coach -- passing him over in favor of Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini -- Heimerdinger learned he won't be let out of his contract because the team feels he's the best coach for their grounded offense.

Heimerdinger, who has two years remaining on his contract, met with Mangini on Wednesday. While he said he was impressed with the young coach's energy and enthusiasm, he said he came to the Jets from the Titans last off-season to work for coach Herman Edwards, not Mangini.

"I'm not upset because this may be a rebuilding situation," he said. "I'm upset because I came to work for Herman Edwards and I'm having to stay and work for someone not named Herman Edwards.

"Also, I'm upset because I interviewed for the (head) job and obviously I was third in the pecking order (behind Mangini and Mike Tice). So, I wasn't good enough for the job and I still have to stay. I'm not happy with the situation."

Heimerdinger's agent, Bob LaMonte, is incredulous about the situation -- upset that his client isn't good enough to be promoted but too good to be let go. To LaMonte, it just doesn't make sense.

"My client is grossly unhappy," he said. "He feels he should have gotten the (head) job. I just hope we're able to work toward an amicable conclusion."

Heimerdinger denied he wants to get out of his contract to become a candidate for the offensive coordinator's job in Denver -- which will become available after the Broncos' season if, as expected, Gary Kubiak leaves to become head coach of the Houston Texans.

"There's no job in Denver," he said.

Jets general manager Terry Bradway did not return phone calls seeking comment.

A year ago yesterday, the Jets hired Heimerdinger to spark their offense, which had soured under Paul Hackett. They signed him to a three-year contract worth more than $1 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid coordinators in the league at the time.

Season-ending injuries to quarterbacks Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler in Week 3 and an early season injury to running back Curtis Martin that limited his effectiveness grounded the Jets offense. The unit finished next to last in the NFL in total offense (248.1 yards per game) and 30th in points (240).

While the team wants to keep Heimerdinger, the club announced yesterday that it had fired three other assistants: defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson, receivers coach Pep Hamilton and tight ends coach John Zernhelt.

A decision on special teams coach Mike Westhoff is still forthcoming.

"(Mangini) wants me back," Westhoff said. "I should know (today). We have some things to iron out. We're having some fair and frank discussions."

Meanwhile, linebackers coach Bob Sutton was promoted to defensive coordinator.

Sutton, who is highly respected in the organization, was the head coach at Army from 1991-1999 before joining the Jets. He will be working under his third head coach -- Al Groh, Edwards and Mangini.

Defensive backs coach Corwin Brown, defensive line coach Denny Marcin and strength coach Markus Paul also are expected to return.

 

[msommer]

Maybe they want to ransom Denver for a pick?It is becoming obvious that Woody Johnson is not a nice boss.

 

[Jason Wood]

Maybe they want to ransom Denver for a pick?

It is becoming obvious that Woody Johnson is not a nice boss.

IIRC you can't trade assistants for picks anymore, just head coaches.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Cuz it's the Jets. They're good like that.-QG

 

[Ozymandias]

This is all posturing...After a few days, they'll come together and agree on some middle point, so they can both claim victory.

 

[Shrek]

Funny that this is coming out now. I was at the bar with a few friends the other night and we were talking about this exact situation in a hypothetical sense (ie. Heimerdinger interviewed for the job, didn't get it, now has to stay in a subservient capacity, etc). If there's any chance that he might go, I think the Jets should just let him go. First off, he won't do as good of a job if he isn't fully committed. And secondly, if his leavign is inevitable, the longer they wait to replace him the slimmer the pickings will be for a replacement. Things are already looking crappy for Mangini if he can't even put his foot down about things like this.

 

[EZD222]

the continues

 

[QuizGuy66]

I agree with the premise that all coaches for the Jets should be committed. I have a funny feeling that this guys is going to be a great coach with his SECOND team, whoever that may be. Ya can't think that it's Mangini's call to keep a disgruntled Heimerdinger and even if it's all posturing to squeeze a pick out of the Broncos, it's a messy way to start off with a new guy. He seems to be learning right away that he has to watch his P's and Q's and ask "how high" every time Bradway says jump. I'm not against young coaches (even with the very painful memories of the David Shula era seared into my brain) but I have a funny feeling this is not what the Jets need.-QG

 

[SSOG]

Maybe they want to ransom Denver for a pick?

It is becoming obvious that Woody Johnson is not a nice boss.

IIRC you can't trade assistants for picks anymore, just head coaches.

You do, indeed, recall correctly.I don't think it'd be that hard to arrange a buyout. As a Denver fan, I was pretty bummed to hear that the Jets were keeping Heimerdinger, so this is very encouraging. We have a lot of respect for him in Denver (if we can get Heimerdinger and manage to keep Rick Dennison and Bobby Turner when Kubiak raids our staff for assistants in Houston, I think our offense can keep on without missing a beat).

As a complete aside, Heimerdinger authored one of my favorite football quotes of all time. A reporter asked him what he thought his chances of landing a head coaching job anytime soon were (this was several years ago), and he responded with "Owners want a big name, not a long one". Solid gold.

 

[iSnitch]

Way to go Jets! Perhaps I'm not as familiar with football as I thought-how in the world is this going to benefit the team?

 

[Rovers]

Heimerdinger has exposed himself as a complete jerk. He wanted the HC job, didn't get it, and he's pissed. So, why not Quit? Because he's one of the highest paid coordinators in the NFL, guys like Saunders withstanding. As I've been saying all along, once Denver's season is over, and Kubiak goes to Houston, Heimer####### goes to Denver. Look at what he and his agent said.... he should have gotten the HC job, he came to NY to coach under Edwards, and now he wants out. Well, if he was made OC, would he be whining about NOT having Herm the Werm as his boss? Hahhahaha! He doesn't want to leave 2.25 million in salary over the next two years.... Denver might not pay him that much. So.... he tries to follow Edwards' lead, and tries to get fired. Goes to the press. Hey, I wouldn't mind getting fired with a 2.25 mil severance package. But, this time, the Jets FO put their foot down. About time. He won't be the Jets OC next year, he made sure of that, but he made a mistake. He went to the press. Now, the Jets FO will make an example of him. They won't let him extort 2.25 mil, and extortion is exactly what he's doing. On a more positive note, the Jets gave ST's coach Mike Westhoff a "significant" raise, and he's on board, now bringing some continuity to the Jets' coaching staff. Edwards will fall on his face in KC, and Heimerdinger has damaged his own rep to the point no team may want him down the road. Oh, Hermie has brought his stopwatch guy with him to KC, **** Curl. Yes, that is his name, Edwards' personal clock watcher, **** Curl. While the Jets are a mess, at least they are beginning to repaid the damage Hermie did to this franchise.... but for Chiefs' fans? The nightmare has just begun.

 

[Chase Stuart]

To all the people who think the Jets should let 'Dinger out of his contract...how do you rationalize this with those who thought the Eagles should give in to TO's demands and/or cut him?

Outside of Owens actually producing for the Eagles, I don't see much difference.

Heimerdinger is being paid a ton of money, and he coordinated the 30th ranked offense in the NFL in his lone season with the team. And NOW he wants to leave just because Herm leaves? I don't see where in his contract he said "I'm signing with the Jets on the condition that Edwards is the head coach." He's getting paid a ton, he did nothing, and now he's complaining?

No way should the Jets let him out of his contract here.

 

[Workhorse]

"I quit as OC of the NYJ."This is like Belichick v2.0....

 

[Jason Wood]

To all the people who think the Jets should let 'Dinger out of his contract...how do you rationalize this with those who thought the Eagles should give in to TO's demands and/or cut him?

Outside of Owens actually producing for the Eagles, I don't see much difference.

Heimerdinger is being paid a ton of money, and he coordinated the 30th ranked offense in the NFL in his lone season with the team. And NOW he wants to leave just because Herm leaves? I don't see where in his contract he said "I'm signing with the Jets on the condition that Edwards is the head coach." He's getting paid a ton, he did nothing, and now he's complaining?

No way should the Jets let him out of his contract here.

Hey Chase,I don't think they should fire him b/c then they would have to pay him. But having an OC on board who openly doesn't want the be there hurts the team. With the Eagles, TO BEING THERE hurt the team so the organization PAID HIM to STAY AWAY. This is completely the opposite situation. The Jets are hurt by having him stay and would be better off letting him leave and not paying him.

I'm 99% sure Bradway is doing this so he can force Heimerdinger into walking away with no compensation and that is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. But he's playing with fire because in the interim, there are a dozen other NFL franchises looking to bolster their offensive coaching units right now and Mangini may be severely handcuffed in terms of finding a grade A replacement for Dinger once this soap opera is over.

 

[TLEF316]

chase hit it right on the nose. If the jets fire dinger and give him his money, it makes them look like fools. Dinger did nothing last year, and now he wants 2 million dollars + to leave and get paid by another team? I'm a jets fan, and i say #### that. Personally, id rather see him sulk for a year. We are likely going to stink next year anyway. He wont tank, because it will kill his credibility. I say make him quit. If he doesnt quit, make him stay. The jets can not give in here.

 

[Rovers]

There is one more possible reason this went the way it did.... if Heimerdinger left, the Jets would then be in their third offensive system in three years. I think it's possible that Mangini brings in Davidson for a year to learn Heimerdinger's system before he's allowed to bail out. There were some rumors of Davidson being a sort of co-coordinator with Heimerdinger. This would be a sticky way to solve the problem, but workable.

 

[Slider]

Looks to me like 'dinger should have worded his contract that if Edwards left he had an out. He didn't do that and is now stuck. He wasn't good enough for the big job. Sorry. Be like a player saying he signed with a club to be a winner and they lost 9 games so he wants out. Too bad, suck it up buttercup.

 

[Chase Stuart]

To all the people who think the Jets should let 'Dinger out of his contract...how do you rationalize this with those who thought the Eagles should give in to TO's demands and/or cut him?

Outside of Owens actually producing for the Eagles, I don't see much difference.

Heimerdinger is being paid a ton of money, and he coordinated the 30th ranked offense in the NFL in his lone season with the team. And NOW he wants to leave just because Herm leaves? I don't see where in his contract he said "I'm signing with the Jets on the condition that Edwards is the head coach." He's getting paid a ton, he did nothing, and now he's complaining?

No way should the Jets let him out of his contract here.

Hey Chase,I don't think they should fire him b/c then they would have to pay him. But having an OC on board who openly doesn't want the be there hurts the team. With the Eagles, TO BEING THERE hurt the team so the organization PAID HIM to STAY AWAY. This is completely the opposite situation. The Jets are hurt by having him stay and would be better off letting him leave and not paying him.

I'm 99% sure Bradway is doing this so he can force Heimerdinger into walking away with no compensation and that is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. But he's playing with fire because in the interim, there are a dozen other NFL franchises looking to bolster their offensive coaching units right now and Mangini may be severely handcuffed in terms of finding a grade A replacement for Dinger once this soap opera is over.

I was more referring to what Owens did in the summer, when the Eagles chose not to give in to his demands. Everyone lauded the Eagles for staying firm and playing the "you signed the contract" game.Heimerdinger may not want to be there, but that doesn't mean he won't do his best or be successful. I'd prefer to see him stay.

 

[Jason Wood]

To all the people who think the Jets should let 'Dinger out of his contract...how do you rationalize this with those who thought the Eagles should give in to TO's demands and/or cut him?

Outside of Owens actually producing for the Eagles, I don't see much difference.

Heimerdinger is being paid a ton of money, and he coordinated the 30th ranked offense in the NFL in his lone season with the team. And NOW he wants to leave just because Herm leaves? I don't see where in his contract he said "I'm signing with the Jets on the condition that Edwards is the head coach." He's getting paid a ton, he did nothing, and now he's complaining?

No way should the Jets let him out of his contract here.

Hey Chase,I don't think they should fire him b/c then they would have to pay him. But having an OC on board who openly doesn't want the be there hurts the team. With the Eagles, TO BEING THERE hurt the team so the organization PAID HIM to STAY AWAY. This is completely the opposite situation. The Jets are hurt by having him stay and would be better off letting him leave and not paying him.

I'm 99% sure Bradway is doing this so he can force Heimerdinger into walking away with no compensation and that is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. But he's playing with fire because in the interim, there are a dozen other NFL franchises looking to bolster their offensive coaching units right now and Mangini may be severely handcuffed in terms of finding a grade A replacement for Dinger once this soap opera is over.

I was more referring to what Owens did in the summer, when the Eagles chose not to give in to his demands. Everyone lauded the Eagles for staying firm and playing the "you signed the contract" game.Heimerdinger may not want to be there, but that doesn't mean he won't do his best or be successful. I'd prefer to see him stay.

It's within the Jets rights to hold Heimerdinger to his contract, but the difference is he's going to show up to work [TO threatened to hold out], the question is, can the Jets afford a situation where the OC shows up to work but doesn't give it his full commitment? And why on Earth would Mangini want to start his HC era with his most important assistant at odds with him?

 

[Chase Stuart]

To all the people who think the Jets should let 'Dinger out of his contract...how do you rationalize this with those who thought the Eagles should give in to TO's demands and/or cut him?

Outside of Owens actually producing for the Eagles, I don't see much difference.

Heimerdinger is being paid a ton of money, and he coordinated the 30th ranked offense in the NFL in his lone season with the team. And NOW he wants to leave just because Herm leaves? I don't see where in his contract he said "I'm signing with the Jets on the condition that Edwards is the head coach." He's getting paid a ton, he did nothing, and now he's complaining?

No way should the Jets let him out of his contract here.

Hey Chase,I don't think they should fire him b/c then they would have to pay him. But having an OC on board who openly doesn't want the be there hurts the team. With the Eagles, TO BEING THERE hurt the team so the organization PAID HIM to STAY AWAY. This is completely the opposite situation. The Jets are hurt by having him stay and would be better off letting him leave and not paying him.

I'm 99% sure Bradway is doing this so he can force Heimerdinger into walking away with no compensation and that is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. But he's playing with fire because in the interim, there are a dozen other NFL franchises looking to bolster their offensive coaching units right now and Mangini may be severely handcuffed in terms of finding a grade A replacement for Dinger once this soap opera is over.

I was more referring to what Owens did in the summer, when the Eagles chose not to give in to his demands. Everyone lauded the Eagles for staying firm and playing the "you signed the contract" game.Heimerdinger may not want to be there, but that doesn't mean he won't do his best or be successful. I'd prefer to see him stay.

It's within the Jets rights to hold Heimerdinger to his contract, but the difference is he's going to show up to work [TO threatened to hold out], the question is, can the Jets afford a situation where the OC shows up to work but doesn't give it his full commitment? And why on Earth would Mangini want to start his HC era with his most important assistant at odds with him?

'Dinger's a professional. He's heated and emotional right now, but I have zero doubt that if the Jets keep him (a pretty big "if" at this point), he not only will give it his full commitment, but that's he's a better assistant than anyone else they could find right now.

 

[Trey]

/\ Mike Martz.

 

[greenroom]

Have to admit this is not good for the Jets. Why would you want a coach that does not want to be there. He has a job and will do the basics of the job but I would bet he will not do anything extra or come up with any ideas that he may have.To me the Jets are making a HUGE mistake.

 

[Jason Wood]

To all the people who think the Jets should let 'Dinger out of his contract...how do you rationalize this with those who thought the Eagles should give in to TO's demands and/or cut him?

Outside of Owens actually producing for the Eagles, I don't see much difference.

Heimerdinger is being paid a ton of money, and he coordinated the 30th ranked offense in the NFL in his lone season with the team. And NOW he wants to leave just because Herm leaves? I don't see where in his contract he said "I'm signing with the Jets on the condition that Edwards is the head coach." He's getting paid a ton, he did nothing, and now he's complaining?

No way should the Jets let him out of his contract here.

Hey Chase,I don't think they should fire him b/c then they would have to pay him. But having an OC on board who openly doesn't want the be there hurts the team. With the Eagles, TO BEING THERE hurt the team so the organization PAID HIM to STAY AWAY. This is completely the opposite situation. The Jets are hurt by having him stay and would be better off letting him leave and not paying him.

I'm 99% sure Bradway is doing this so he can force Heimerdinger into walking away with no compensation and that is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. But he's playing with fire because in the interim, there are a dozen other NFL franchises looking to bolster their offensive coaching units right now and Mangini may be severely handcuffed in terms of finding a grade A replacement for Dinger once this soap opera is over.

I was more referring to what Owens did in the summer, when the Eagles chose not to give in to his demands. Everyone lauded the Eagles for staying firm and playing the "you signed the contract" game.Heimerdinger may not want to be there, but that doesn't mean he won't do his best or be successful. I'd prefer to see him stay.

It's within the Jets rights to hold Heimerdinger to his contract, but the difference is he's going to show up to work [TO threatened to hold out], the question is, can the Jets afford a situation where the OC shows up to work but doesn't give it his full commitment? And why on Earth would Mangini want to start his HC era with his most important assistant at odds with him?

'Dinger's a professional. He's heated and emotional right now, but I have zero doubt that if the Jets keep him (a pretty big "if" at this point), he not only will give it his full commitment, but that's he's a better assistant than anyone else they could find right now.

Chase, one thing you've had the good fortune of not having to learn yet is some of the complexities of balancing ego with work-life politics. In corporate America, it's very hard if not impossible for many people to work for a company where they felt they were in line for a promotion and were instead passed over for someone they believed was inferior. That's not something limited to the NFL, but work life in general. Dinger has made it pretty clear that he just can't in good conscience work under a guy he doesn't know or respect, particularly when he himself wanted the job and was passed over. That's a very real, human reaction to getting passed over for a promotion.The Jets absolutely can and should hold strong on not compensating Dinger if he wants out, but ultimately they are 1000% better served by letting him go at this point.

 

[Chase Stuart]

To all the people who think the Jets should let 'Dinger out of his contract...how do you rationalize this with those who thought the Eagles should give in to TO's demands and/or cut him?

Outside of Owens actually producing for the Eagles, I don't see much difference.

Heimerdinger is being paid a ton of money, and he coordinated the 30th ranked offense in the NFL in his lone season with the team. And NOW he wants to leave just because Herm leaves? I don't see where in his contract he said "I'm signing with the Jets on the condition that Edwards is the head coach." He's getting paid a ton, he did nothing, and now he's complaining?

No way should the Jets let him out of his contract here.

Hey Chase,I don't think they should fire him b/c then they would have to pay him. But having an OC on board who openly doesn't want the be there hurts the team. With the Eagles, TO BEING THERE hurt the team so the organization PAID HIM to STAY AWAY. This is completely the opposite situation. The Jets are hurt by having him stay and would be better off letting him leave and not paying him.

I'm 99% sure Bradway is doing this so he can force Heimerdinger into walking away with no compensation and that is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. But he's playing with fire because in the interim, there are a dozen other NFL franchises looking to bolster their offensive coaching units right now and Mangini may be severely handcuffed in terms of finding a grade A replacement for Dinger once this soap opera is over.

I was more referring to what Owens did in the summer, when the Eagles chose not to give in to his demands. Everyone lauded the Eagles for staying firm and playing the "you signed the contract" game.Heimerdinger may not want to be there, but that doesn't mean he won't do his best or be successful. I'd prefer to see him stay.

It's within the Jets rights to hold Heimerdinger to his contract, but the difference is he's going to show up to work [TO threatened to hold out], the question is, can the Jets afford a situation where the OC shows up to work but doesn't give it his full commitment? And why on Earth would Mangini want to start his HC era with his most important assistant at odds with him?

'Dinger's a professional. He's heated and emotional right now, but I have zero doubt that if the Jets keep him (a pretty big "if" at this point), he not only will give it his full commitment, but that's he's a better assistant than anyone else they could find right now.

Chase, one thing you've had the good fortune of not having to learn yet is some of the complexities of balancing ego with work-life politics. In corporate America, it's very hard if not impossible for many people to work for a company where they felt they were in line for a promotion and were instead passed over for someone they believed was inferior. That's not something limited to the NFL, but work life in general. Dinger has made it pretty clear that he just can't in good conscience work under a guy he doesn't know or respect, particularly when he himself wanted the job and was passed over. That's a very real, human reaction to getting passed over for a promotion.The Jets absolutely can and should hold strong on not compensating Dinger if he wants out, but ultimately they are 1000% better served by letting him go at this point.

James "Buddy" Ryan began his career as Bears defensive coordinator after being brought on by head coach Neill Armstrong for the 1978 season. Following Armstrong's after the 1981 campaign, many players and staffers thought the head coach position would be given to him. Defensive tackle Alan Page wrote a letter to Halas, imploring the aging owner to retain Ryan. The letter was signed by all of Chicago's defensive players. Halas was driven in a golf cart to address the defense on the practice field. According to a 1988 aritcle by the Chicago Tribune's Don Pierson, Halas told the players that "Buddy Parker is a fine coach, you have nothing to worry about." Halas re-signed Ryan to a new deal as coordinator before hiring Mike Ditka as head coach shortly thereafter. Thus began the famous Ditka-Ryan feud.http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/ditkaryan.html

That relationship didn't seem to effect the team's on field performance.

 

[Jason Wood]

To all the people who think the Jets should let 'Dinger out of his contract...how do you rationalize this with those who thought the Eagles should give in to TO's demands and/or cut him?

Outside of Owens actually producing for the Eagles, I don't see much difference.

Heimerdinger is being paid a ton of money, and he coordinated the 30th ranked offense in the NFL in his lone season with the team. And NOW he wants to leave just because Herm leaves? I don't see where in his contract he said "I'm signing with the Jets on the condition that Edwards is the head coach." He's getting paid a ton, he did nothing, and now he's complaining?

No way should the Jets let him out of his contract here.

Hey Chase,I don't think they should fire him b/c then they would have to pay him. But having an OC on board who openly doesn't want the be there hurts the team. With the Eagles, TO BEING THERE hurt the team so the organization PAID HIM to STAY AWAY. This is completely the opposite situation. The Jets are hurt by having him stay and would be better off letting him leave and not paying him.

I'm 99% sure Bradway is doing this so he can force Heimerdinger into walking away with no compensation and that is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. But he's playing with fire because in the interim, there are a dozen other NFL franchises looking to bolster their offensive coaching units right now and Mangini may be severely handcuffed in terms of finding a grade A replacement for Dinger once this soap opera is over.

I was more referring to what Owens did in the summer, when the Eagles chose not to give in to his demands. Everyone lauded the Eagles for staying firm and playing the "you signed the contract" game.Heimerdinger may not want to be there, but that doesn't mean he won't do his best or be successful. I'd prefer to see him stay.

It's within the Jets rights to hold Heimerdinger to his contract, but the difference is he's going to show up to work [TO threatened to hold out], the question is, can the Jets afford a situation where the OC shows up to work but doesn't give it his full commitment? And why on Earth would Mangini want to start his HC era with his most important assistant at odds with him?

'Dinger's a professional. He's heated and emotional right now, but I have zero doubt that if the Jets keep him (a pretty big "if" at this point), he not only will give it his full commitment, but that's he's a better assistant than anyone else they could find right now.

Chase, one thing you've had the good fortune of not having to learn yet is some of the complexities of balancing ego with work-life politics. In corporate America, it's very hard if not impossible for many people to work for a company where they felt they were in line for a promotion and were instead passed over for someone they believed was inferior. That's not something limited to the NFL, but work life in general. Dinger has made it pretty clear that he just can't in good conscience work under a guy he doesn't know or respect, particularly when he himself wanted the job and was passed over. That's a very real, human reaction to getting passed over for a promotion.The Jets absolutely can and should hold strong on not compensating Dinger if he wants out, but ultimately they are 1000% better served by letting him go at this point.

James "Buddy" Ryan began his career as Bears defensive coordinator after being brought on by head coach Neill Armstrong for the 1978 season. Following Armstrong's after the 1981 campaign, many players and staffers thought the head coach position would be given to him. Defensive tackle Alan Page wrote a letter to Halas, imploring the aging owner to retain Ryan. The letter was signed by all of Chicago's defensive players. Halas was driven in a golf cart to address the defense on the practice field. According to a 1988 aritcle by the Chicago Tribune's Don Pierson, Halas told the players that "Buddy Parker is a fine coach, you have nothing to worry about." Halas re-signed Ryan to a new deal as coordinator before hiring Mike Ditka as head coach shortly thereafter. Thus began the famous Ditka-Ryan feud.http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/ditkaryan.html

That relationship didn't seem to effect the team's on field performance.

A credit to Buddy Ryan for hanging in there, to be sure. But unlike that situation, Heimerdinger has openly said he doesn't want to play ball. Furthermore, the NFL is a VASTLY different place than it was then. You're kidding yourself if you think keeping 'Dinger is the optimal situation for New York. This is, unfortunately, a situation where Terry Bradway has looked SOOOOOO bad during this whole Herm debacle, that he's trying to play hardball yet he could very well hurt Mangini's first year effort and the Jets rebuilding plan in the process.

 

[SSOG]

A credit to Buddy Ryan for hanging in there, to be sure. But unlike that situation, Heimerdinger has openly said he doesn't want to play ball. Furthermore, the NFL is a VASTLY different place than it was then.

You're kidding yourself if you think keeping 'Dinger is the optimal situation for New York. This is, unfortunately, a situation where Terry Bradway has looked SOOOOOO bad during this whole Herm debacle, that he's trying to play hardball yet he could very well hurt Mangini's first year effort and the Jets rebuilding plan in the process.

I don't know that it's paying hardball, at all. I think it's saying "If I'm going to pay you to work for me, then you're going to work for me. If you don't want to work for me, that's fine, but I'm not going to pay you to work for me".If that's playing hardball... well then, every employer that I haven't worked for has played hardball with me all my life.

 

[Rockchild]

One would think that this situation isn't happening for the first time where a OC is passed over for the HC position and wants out. This should have been handled internally by the Jets. They should have broght 'Dinger in and tell him that they chose another direction for OC but would still like to keep him as OC. Give him a few days to consider things and then if he decides he wants out give him the option of finding another job or release him with the caveate that he will not be paid by the Jets. As it stands now, both parties have backed themselves into a corner. I'm sure there will be some kind of negotiated settlement. It never ceases to amaze me how many times so called professionals(and I'm talking about any kind of business) make bad decisions that seem quite clear cut to the rest of us. Yes, it is in hindsight that we see how simple the solution is but they get paid to make these decisions. It kind of proves the maxim that we are all promoted to one position above what our skills dictate.

 

[Jason Wood]

One would think that this situation isn't happening for the first time where a OC is passed over for the HC position and wants out. This should have been handled internally by the Jets. They should have broght 'Dinger in and tell him that they chose another direction for OC but would still like to keep him as OC. Give him a few days to consider things and then if he decides he wants out give him the option of finding another job or release him with the caveate that he will not be paid by the Jets.

As it stands now, both parties have backed themselves into a corner. I'm sure there will be some kind of negotiated settlement. It never ceases to amaze me how many times so called professionals(and I'm talking about any kind of business) make bad decisions that seem quite clear cut to the rest of us. Yes, it is in hindsight that we see how simple the solution is but they get paid to make these decisions. It kind of proves the maxim that we are all promoted to one position above what our skills dictate.

You're right Rockchild, and the way it usually works is the team respects the assistant coach's wishes and lets him leave. Jim Bates felt "uncomfortable" staying in Green Bay after losing out on the HC position, so the let him walk. It's simply the right way to do things.As the Jets have been showing all offseason, they REALLY REALLY need to work on their PR and internal controls, it's an outright mess in that regard and you have to put a big part of that blame on Bradway, no two ways about it.

For those in the NY media, I have been STUNNED by how poorly Bradway has come off in the post Herm debacle. He's looked completely disingenuous at every turn.

 

[brednbuddah]

For those in the NY media, I have been STUNNED by how poorly Bradway has come off in the post Herm debacle. He's looked completely disingenuous at every turn.

i'm not necessarily a Bradway supporter, but he's not as bad as you portay him to be. How do you figure he looks "completely disingenuous"?They got the man they considered their top choice, however, did their due diligence by interviewing several candidates, in-house as well.

Henderson was almost immediately informed he would not be retained along with a couple asst. coaches. Westhoff was informed he'd be retained shortly after. This is consistent with Mangini's press conference statements that the staff would be made aware of their future as soon as possible so "everyone could move forward".

There has to be something behind the scenes with Heimerdinger that the public is just not privy to yet. Otherwise, based on the above facts, the Jets would've let Heimerdinger go just as respectfully.

 

[Jason Wood]

For those in the NY media, I have been STUNNED by how poorly Bradway has come off in the post Herm debacle. He's looked completely disingenuous at every turn.

i'm not necessarily a Bradway supporter, but he's not as bad as you portay him to be. How do you figure he looks "completely disingenuous"?They got the man they considered their top choice, however, did their due diligence by interviewing several candidates, in-house as well.

Henderson was almost immediately informed he would not be retained along with a couple asst. coaches. Westhoff was informed he'd be retained shortly after. This is consistent with Mangini's press conference statements that the staff would be made aware of their future as soon as possible so "everyone could move forward".

There has to be something behind the scenes with Heimerdinger that the public is just not privy to yet. Otherwise, based on the above facts, the Jets would've let Heimerdinger go just as respectfully.

I was referring primarily to the disastrous way he's handled the media regarding the Herm situation. The Herm debacle + the Dinger debacle = a dire need for a better PR advisor in the Bradway camp.