Mike LaFleur is now available NFL.com Mutually parted ways w/ Jets

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Jets, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur mutually parting ways after two seasons
Published: Jan 11, 2023 at 06:23 PM
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Nick Shook
Around The NFL Writer

Rapoport: Jets and OC Mike LaFleur have mutually agreed to part ways

New York's offensive collapse has cost its coordinator his job.

The Jets and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur are mutually parting ways, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday.

Several NFL teams have inquired about LaFleur and he's been allowed to seek other opportunities, Rapoport added.

LaFleur's tenure with the Jets ends after two seasons and two bottom-eight finishes in total offense. In his first season with an admittedly inexperienced, if not talent-deficient offense, the Jets ranked 26th in total offense, 27th in rushing, 20th in passing and 27th in third-down percentage. Although the Jets improved drastically in the first half of the 2022 season, New York's offense continued to struggle to get out of second gear, finishing 25th in total offense, 24th in rushing and 15th in passing (and declining on third down, dropping to 28th).

The loss of rookie running back Breece Hall robbed the Jets of their early season mojo, eliminating New York's potent rushing threat and placing much of the offensive responsibility on whichever quarterback started each week. Unsurprisingly, New York struggled to match its offensive output in the second half of the year, losing seven of its last eight games and breaking 20 points just twice.

A former offensive assistant (passing game coordinator and receivers coach) in San Francisco, LaFleur followed fellow 49ers staffer Robert Saleh to New York when the latter was hired to take over the Jets. LaFleur assumed control of New York's offense and was tasked with helping second-overall pick Zach Wilson adjust to the NFL as quickly as possible.

The results didn't meet expectations. Wilson completed 55.6% of his passes for 2,334 yards, a 9-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 69.7 passer rating in his rookie season while battling through injuries. He then declined even further in his second season, eventually being benched in favor of backup Mike White. When Wilson returned to the field after a few weeks spent sitting behind White (and Joe Flacco), he didn't fare any better, leaving many to wonder whether he has a future with the team at all after just two seasons.

New York drafted and played well enough to lead many to believe they had turned the corner toward a brighter future. When injuries struck and the Jets realized they didn't have an answer at quarterback, the results spoke for themselves.

Now, the pressure is on Saleh and Co. to correct the team's mistakes and find a better candidate to lead New York's offense. They also need to find a quality option under center. The clock is ticking in New York.