Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: Mike Tannenbaum, Woody Johnson, Brian Schottenheimer, Bill Callahan, Steve Spagnuolo, coaching search
01/15 — Reports say the Jets have had their second interview with Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
The interview took place Tuesday with Jets owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum in Johnson's offices in midtown Manhattan. It was the preference of Spagnuolo's agent that that interview be initially undisclosed to reporters.
Johnson was out of the country the week after the end of the regular season and couldn't participate in Spagnuolo's first sitdown with Jets officials.
Johnson that week also couldn't meet with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and Jets assistant coach/offensive line coach Bill Callahan. But the team's chairman and CEO last week interviewed Schottenheimer and Callahan, and the Giants coach's second interivew was consistent with Johnson's second interviews with his own assistant coaches.
Spagnuolo remains a candidate for the Jets' head-coaching vacancy and the team is still conducting its search.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (71)Joe Willie Said:
Thu, January 15, 2009 - 9:24pm ET"Ira: As the designated apologist for this organization, we assume you know more about football than us; so please explain categorically why Shotty should be OC. Is it because every fan ( and DC ) was able to call every single play before the snap, or was it his inability to make adjustments? Passing game plans against weak run D's or vice versa? 2 touches for LW. Or was he just " handcuffed "."
doug friedersdorf Said:
Thu, January 15, 2009 - 9:45pm ET"I'll be praying for wisdom for Woody & Mike ! Go Jets !"
mike d. Said:
Thu, January 15, 2009 - 9:48pm ET" I really don't have a preference on who gets the head coaches job as long it isn't Callahan. I don't think he has any business being the o-line coach. Just look at how he ruined the Raiders and the Cornhuskers"
Brett Said:
Thu, January 15, 2009 - 9:50pm ET"I believe thats the jets shoulf fill their coaching vacancy with a more defensive type coordinator such as rex ryan and spagnuolo, but what about brian billick? The reason why we should go more defensive is because we need help with our blitz packages and our corners. "
fljetfan Said:
Thu, January 15, 2009 - 9:56pm ET"Well, looks like REX... All i can say , its alot easier to win in "balmur" than it is in the BIG APPLE.( if you know what i mean) Can he handle it? That's the million dollar ?. Maybe, just maybe, he's niave enough to think he can. Let's hope so. If he's anything like his old man, at the very least, it ought to be interesting."
carl Said:
Thu, January 15, 2009 - 10:43pm ET"Hey Randy, Where's Brett?Spags or Rexs what 'd ya think?"
Vincent Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 12:39am ET"Not sure about Spags... good DefCoord, but that doesn't translate and guarantee a great HC. I'm actually surprised they had a 2nd interview. I just assumed that the pause in interviewing was a result of waiting for the Ravens to lose so they could offer the job to RR. Like I've said before, 3 names...Marty, Cowher or Shanahan."
MikeMc Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 8:09am ET"Love Spags, think he'll be a great coach. Heres my only issue, 3-4 Defense under Parcells & Groh, Edwards comes in gets rid of 3-4 personel for 4-3 personel. Enter Mangini, gets rid of 4-3 personel gets 3-4 personel, we run him out on a rail.Enter Spags gets rid of 3-4 personel see where I'm going? wasted FA's & draft picks over the yrs.We need a consistant product to win, keep the coach or system"
Maryann Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 8:24am ET"Pleeeeze get us a real Head Coach! Jet fans are so tired of the experiments!"
Ira Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 9:23am ET"Joe Willie, I think being handcuffed was a major issue and given a QB that he had to change his system also was a factor. He wasn't able to use his multiple sets and motions like we saw in 06. Wouuld like to know how much shotgun and play action he used in 08 compaired to 06. Thats a ? for Randy."
Alan Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 9:23am ET"How come no one has mentioned Dick LeBeau? He's done a great job with the Steelers D. Shotty has no chance of being the HC. The Giants O-line coach should get a call as an OC. Rex Ryan is better suited for us then Spags, he runs a 4-3. We spent too much money for 3-4 players to just scrap it. Look what Ryan has done, can you imagine if he turns loose D.harris and K.Rhodes? And V.Gholston?"
Ira Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 9:28am ET"Joe Willie, Numbers don't lie. The Jets scored 405 pts 3rd most in the teams history this year. and in 06 J-Co and LC combined for the most catches by a pair of WR's in Jets history for one season. And TJ led the AFC in rushing this year. Thats right i quess Schotty doesn't know what he is doing. And i forgot he did develop Brees while he was the QB coach in San Diego."
jets5496 Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 9:30am ET"The only reason they gave Spags a second interview is because Woody was out of the country for the first one."
Drew Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 9:56am ET"I hate to agree with Joe Willie and disagree with Ira but why should B-Schott stay on? He has not done a very good job since 2006 and while he may have a young mind but hasnt really produced. He had as much to do with the offensive collapse as Favre did. His in game play calling was horrible....i do understand wanting to keep some components in place but B-Schott is not a great OC"
Age LV Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 10:08am ET"I agree with Vincent.... Marty, Cower, but definately Shanahan!! Why are we not interviewing Mike???"
liveanddiejetgreen Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 10:34am ET"here we go again jet fans another assit to hc experiment for us jetfans. i hope this one works. now we have to sit and wait to findout who is our h/c then what type of defense 3-4 or 4-3and then wait around to find out about BRETT. someday in the near future we as a fan base must be heard. how about the reports that b schott nailed his interview with tanneb but was afraid of how we would react to"
wayne Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 1:34pm ET"We need a little GRUFF up in here.No more looking off into space when players perform like boneheads.Look em in the eye and say ,"you're screwing up".I think most players can respect that.Espceially when they're all treated fairly AND equally.A little hustle can go a long way.....It's beginning to look a lot like Rex.I'll be rooting my butt off for the Steelers from my home up in the PA mountains."
Ira Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 2:44pm ET"Drew, Thats fine but 07 also was a mess for Schotty with the o-line and Chad being hurt and going to Clemens who wasn't ready but gained some good experience. I am not saying Schotty doesn't get some of the blame for this year but once they went away from the controlled O that was working thats when things broke down. They had to be doing something right to finish with a 25.3 pts per game avg."
Frank Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 3:13pm ET"...Tanwoody believes Mangini as Ira put it handcuffed B Shott and somehow diminished Favres effectiveness this year with the way he "managed" him physically and mentally. This is really the only plausible explanation for an otherwise head scratching plan by Tanwoody. 4-3 or 3-4 doesn't matter I said it before the only 2 players affected are Thomas and Pace neither of whom is worth designing around"
paligrl Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 3:42pm ET"i think we shud take brett out...the team really had to suffer as a whole for his inaccuracy..the jets shud be lookin for a qualified quaterback who could remain with the jets ...its all about the coaching for exapmle tehy let penington go n he ended up perfromin better then farve n lead a previous 1 n 15 team to the playoffs...i think spagnoliawud bring some fresh air to the jetsso wud a new qb!"
Brent Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 4:22pm ET"we need a veteran.we need marty,a veteran.we get another d cordinator like mangini this team aint going no where.ill will not be happy with jets if they make stupid decision like this and the other fans wont like it either"
scjoe Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 4:51pm ET"I think Spags would be a mistake at this point, he has no experience with the 3-4 and most of our defense is geared toward the 3-4. But, as we witnessed this past year, you CAN bring in a new HC, new system, and a new philosophy, and still win..See Atlanta, Miami, and Baltimore!"
Bleedinggreen Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 5:59pm ET" When My Son was growing up I talked Him out of being a Jet fan, but anyway I wish they would make up our minds already, the draft will be here before you know it and we need to know where we are going by then. P.S. long suffering Jets fan"
MJM Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 6:07pm ET"Shanahan!?!?!? Posting from Denver and begin that Shanahan never be considered. First off he will want to be acting GM too. Not going to happen. Secondly, he doesn't get along with anyone - significantly distracted coaching staff and no consistency year to year. Finally, and more to the point, unless we are talking about icing the kicker, he really hasn’t been any good for years. "
Anonymous Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 6:19pm ET"I honestly don't even care anymore.This is the last year I' ll have my season tickets.I refuse to pay for PSL's & the ridiculous ticket prices for this mickey mouse team.I hear Panisonic is coming out with a new 150" HDTV I'd rather spend 70G's on that.I am so done paying to freeze my you know what off in the swamp for this team. I'll always be a fan. I just won't pay to be on"
moZ Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 6:27pm ET"Ok jetfans, i know we need a head coach but just plz stop talking about cower filling the poition. He has stated many of times that he is not going to return next season if he was given a superbowl team, what make you think he wants to go to the Jets. What we really need to be looking at is Spagnolo and or Jon Gruden who was just fired today..."
Dr. G Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 6:51pm ET"Forget Spags (My former first choice) and Ryan....Heeeeeeere's Johnny- Gruden was just fired by TBay- Gruden, Green Bay's former WR coach, might even get Brett to stay another season an play Ed McMahon...in any case, a Super Bowl winning resume beats two up and comers any day! Right Eric?"
duaine Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 7:03pm ET"Please lets not wait on Farve yes he is a great QB but we need to start building on what we have we r spending alot of cash for draft picks let use them. A good HC can get the best out of his players.I RR will be a better fit we drafted players for the 3-4 d fence so lets go with that identity.I say give KC a chance he can be something special for us ,let him & Bret R battle for the QB position."
Tanner Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 7:18pm ET"Randy, any chance Woody and Mike would be willing to give Gruden a HC interview?"
Randy Lange Said:
"Tanner, I don't know. If I hear one way or another, I'll let you know."
Anonymous Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 7:36pm ET"What about the possibility of John Gruden? Should he be in the mix? Love the fire that guy brings to the table."
mike Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 8:05pm ET"Don't hire Gruden the only SB he won was Dungy's not his. Stick to the plan Rex Ryan and draft picks. We are not a SB team yet not for 3 years. Hope Favre retires for money reasons only, Favre are best chance to win but it still won't be enough."
Jackson Jet Fan Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 8:45pm ET"The Jets need to hire Gruden TONIGHT!!!!!!!! Do not fumble the ball like they did with Cowher. Where are Woody and Mr. T. right now? They should be in a car or on a bus or plane some vehicle to get them to Gruden before he has a chance to talk with someone else."
The Rick Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 8:53pm ET"Hire Gruden tonight. Are you kidding me. Gruden or Rex Ryan. Please, give me a break!! If they don't hire Gruden they lost me as a fan. I've been a die hard fan since Joe Willie. This will be the last straw. Enough is enough!! "
Pete Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 9:36pm ET"Just get me a coach with a pulse. Mangini had no emotion, no passion. I said before, the antithesis of Herm. Mangini-bright, good game plan, no heart, players didn't play for him. Herm would make the most elementary mistakes all the time, but his teams NEVER quit. As for Schotty, just look at Favre in '07 and then in '08. Chad in '07 and Chad in '08. Schotty's the common denominator. Sorry Ira."
fljetfan Said:
Fri, January 16, 2009 - 10:43pm ET"CHUUUUCCKKKKIIIIIEEEEEEE. LETS GET CHUCKIEEEEEEEEEEEEE"
KevKage Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 12:49am ET"Hey...Jon Gruden's available...he won a Super Bowl...kinda looks like Chucky...perfect fit!"
Tony Lembo Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 8:27am ET"This is the perfect opportunity for the Jets to Get a Real Coach. The management team needs to contact Gruden ASAP and begin negotiations. He will bring the discipline and fire that this team has been missing for ever!!!!! Don't miss this opportunity!!!!!"
Huey Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 9:29am ET"NO GRUDEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All of you Gruden fans should check his "draft choices" very closely and realize how poor he evaluates talent.....Gruden also has a losing record after Tony's Team was dismantled by Gruden...Teams win with defense in the NFL...."
Frank Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 9:37am ET"Randy, what could possibly have been wrong with the comment I made preceeding the one you posted?"
Randy Lange Said:
"Frank, probably nothing. I never saw it. Every once in a while a comment goes into the ether. Could be on your end, could be on mine. I posted everything from you that I saw."
Frank Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 9:43am ET"I am warming up to the idea of Ryan as long as Tanwoody can make it a package deal. We need to also bring over Kokinis as GM with the idea they bring over one or 2 of their defensive stars to change the culture on defense. The more I think of it I don't mind keeping B Shott for one more year to prove Mangini's meddling was the real problem. Maybe Ratliff more than Clemens was a Shott beneficiary."
Frank Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 9:48am ET"No Gruden...no how...no way! Besides we need a defensive guy. A Gruden hire would be a B Shott dismissal there are no good proven DC's left out there to help him. Spagnuolo or Ryan thats it. Amazing the last Spagnuolo interview is being treated like a classified CIA case. Looks like Tannenbaum has stopped floating trial ballons through the press."
jets fan Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 10:40am ET"Don't get Gruden. Won a superbowl because of Dungy Brad Johnson, and Keyshaun Johnson. Otherwise he is a 500 coach. And he is also a offensive coach, Monte Kiffen was there D guy. Bretts play and our lack of pass rush was our demise. Bring in RR and draft LB and DB. Run the ball, lights out D and ball protection is boring, but is a formula for success."
Robert Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 10:41am ET"I believe having Steve Spagnuolo with the jets would be a great asset for the jets organization.If you look at what has been done with the Giants and where he has taken them he can surely turn "gang green" around.Maybe what the jets need is to play a different defensive scheme rather than the 3-4.Be more concerned with a better offense that would allow KELLEN CLEMENS to show his abilites. "
Canada jets fan Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 10:47am ET"I would like to see a veteran coach with the team , aka Shanahan or Gruden . But Spagnuolo or Rex Ryan seem like god head coach candidates as well . Not to sure about schotts as off cor though , was Mangigni callling the plays or him in the 4 games. I was shaking my head alot about them thats for sure "
John Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 11:10am ET"Stay away from Gruden = He is poison = I mean players can't stand him. Randy = why won't the Jets come out and give the fans their position on a Shanahan interview. Alot of us are completely baffled that there seems to be zero contact here! We're tired of hearing from a " person familiar with the Jets' thinking who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak for the team"."
Sandy Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 12:05pm ET"John Gruden is still a GREAT coach, he should be considered! Not sure if Gruden and Favre would be a good mix??"
Chirag Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 12:07pm ET"The only reason I like Spagnuolo over Rex is they way Giants D has be able to overcome injuries, loss of Strahan and not the best of secondary. In today's league team that can replace important players without skipping a beat can succeed, and Spags has done that. I haven't followed Ravens much but Randy fill me in if I've missed the obvious."
Big Ed Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 12:30pm ET"Ira I don't think losing Schotty would be a big deal. All that motion and sets and defenses just seemed to yawn and stay put after they got use to it. D-REX for HC!!!"
tom Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 12:56pm ET"i think the jets should sighn peppers when he is an unrestricted free agent after this season he did say he is looking for a 3-4 deffense and the jets would be a perfect fit for him.he can get alot of money which is what he wants and a big stage that he can play on."
Anonymous Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 1:02pm ET"Gruden would go a long way in keeping Favre around for another season as well. He was one of Favre's assistant coaches way back when in Green Bay and I believe they have a good relationship."
Ray Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 1:11pm ET"Ira, I gotta disagree with you on Schotty. Numbers may not lie, but they can be manipulated any way you want them. Yes we averaged 25 pts. a game, take away two huge games (Ariz. and Stl.) and we averaged 21.5 a game over the other 14. So we actually ranked around 21st in scoring. And Schott deserves very little credit for Brees. If anything the qb coach in NO has done wonders."
Ray Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 1:20pm ET"Not only that, but the change of schemes with Brett coming in doesn't explain his thinking on 3rd downs. Top rusher in the AFC and we would throw on third down regardless of distance! At best his play calling was adequate, and much of the time it was between pedestrian and HORRIBLE. The Jets are set on keeping him so fine, but he needs to be on a short leash. And if no improvement, he's gone."
mike Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 1:32pm ET"Everyone thinks Gruden is such a great coach. The Raiders were stacked the years the were good when Gruden was there, they had like 9 PB's. Dungy had a lights out defense with no QB. Bucs pick up Brad Johnson, Keyshaun Johnson, and Michael Pittman and he wins a SB. My 3 year old could of won a SB that year. I was a Bucs fan when the won and any Bucs fan will tell you the same it was Dungy's team."
Anonymous Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 1:59pm ET"Why would you want the Jets to hire Gruden when he was fired for the very same reason as Mangini? Forget Chucky."
mike Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 2:14pm ET"who is so hung up on Billick. Billick has not been mentioned in any of the coaching changes in the entire NFL. If ten GM's don't even look at Billick why would NY. Just because he had a great D in Baltimore does not mean he is a great defensive mind. He is an offensive coach, he broke the points in a season record with the Vikings has always called himself an offensive minded coach."
Leo Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 2:25pm ET"GET GRUDEN hes one of the mosst respected coaches in the league. and by the way theres no such thing as a super bowl team, only playoff teams and once your in the playoffs its all even and anything can happen."
Anonymous Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 3:16pm ET"Gruden would be a good fit, so would spagnuolo and shanahan, but lets forget about them and look for a guy that would really change this franchise around and im talking about Marty Schottenheimer how can you not at least talk to this guy, he is a winner in the regular season he would get this team to the playoffs he has had his difficulties in the playoffs but its a risk im willing to take."
michael Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 4:29pm ET"i couldnt agree more. gruden was only is as good as his players. the tb gm was lousy at drafting and that is why he was fired. i say bring in grudin today and announce it tomorrow. couldnt happen soon enough."
Drew Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 4:51pm ET"I dont buy into that B-Schott was handcuffed. I saw way too many games where B-Schott had me scratching my head with his play-callin in 07and the first 10 games of 08. After his intial 10-15 scripted plays he did nothing. Plus if Mangini handcuffed B-Schott then I blame Favre even more..Plus our off pts were helped by 2 huge scoring games against Arz and Rams....Lets get Rex and get our D going"
Drew Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 4:57pm ET"As I has stated since Cowher pulled his stunt lets get Ryan in here and start building a dominating defense. 3 of the 4 teams remaining in the playoffs have a dominate D. The Ryan family name just screams attacking defense.. Hope he can brings some coaches from Baltimore to help teach defense. I happen to disagree with Frank and think we have some peices that Ryan could work including C Pace."
stunna Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 5:43pm ET"say bye bye to mr spagnuolo rams have snabbed him, its now a definite NY Jets New coach REX RYAN and we still gonna have a hole in the defense bcoz mr sutton is still there ryan should come in and remove sutton n get a talented playcalling defensive minded non-prevent using defensive coodinator JETS to playoffs next season GO JETS !!!! FAVRE WILL BE BACK PPL ..."
Ray Said:
Sat, January 17, 2009 - 7:21pm ET"I have a plausible explanation for schott's struggles. He was handcuffed by Favre not being able to adjust to all the motion. If Mangini meddled it was to help BF out. Why else would we have done away with all the pre snap motion that Schott loves? And on the flip side Schott couldn't adjust to having a Favre style qb and he doesn't have a clue how to run a smash mouth offense."
Ray Said:
Sun, January 18, 2009 - 2:09am ET"Yeah yeah, that's it, Mangini's "meddling" is why Brett stunk the last 5 games!! Boo Hoo Hoo, he was so tough on Brett's fragile psyche he couldn't perform and he handcuffed Schotty so much it led to Brett breaking down physically, that's the only "plausible" explanation! How about they handcuffed eachother. Schotty didn't know how to handle a qb who could (before he was hurt) thread a needle..."
Ray Said:
Sun, January 18, 2009 - 2:27am ET"....from 30 yds or an offense built to the ball down peoples throats. And Brett, after being in the same offense for 16 years, didn't know how to handle all the motion and shifts designed for qb's like the one that went off to Miami. Guaranteed if Favre doesn't come back we'll be back to shift and motion offense he couldn't master, and Schotties handcuffs will be removed!"
The Rick Said:
Sun, January 18, 2009 - 9:07am ET"Randy, Let's tell it like it is. They are the same old Jets. Keep this e-mail, you can mark it in stone, Rex Ryan will be the next joke of a coach. The fact that the Jets will not even contact Gruden is a travesty. It's all about Mr. T wanting to run the show. Jet fans, get ready for 3 more terrible years and then starting all over. MARK THESE WORDS!! "
Tom Spicer Said:
Sun, January 18, 2009 - 12:50pm ET"I agree with Drew Pace had 7 sacks & he was in coverage all the time he is a 10 sack guy in the right D "
bob jets fan 45 years Said:
Sun, January 18, 2009 - 3:25pm ET"The rick is right. Rex will get hired with much ballyhoo and after 3 years with this guy the jets will be looking for another coach. Keep up the good work Woody!"
ed Said:
Mon, January 19, 2009 - 6:04pm ET"I'm also a long tortured Jets fan and these comments are so consistent with this organization. We will be talking about the teams next head coach in 3 yrs.Way to go Woody for at least not talking to Cower,afraid he could have turned these losers into something we havent seen in 40 yrs? This is disgusting.I'm watching the Giants.."
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jayfeely: I'm not that old!!! RT@swarheit Where is @JayFeely when you need him? We haven't had a real kicker at Michigan in 25 years.
about 2 hours ago
Revis24: Packin for new england game.about 3 hours ago
Revis24: Oh that's cool. I went to a christian school from 5 to 9 grade then transfered to public school. I played drums at my church for 6yrs.about 4 hours ago
Ira Said:
Thu, January 15, 2009 - 9:19pm ET"This is just amazing. Hope this HC search comes to an end soon and they can get on with their business. Reports say that Schotty doesn't want to stay if Ryan is hired. Hope this doesn't turn into another Heimerdinger case."
Offensive Comment?