New York Jets Fire Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams

The New York Jets fired defensive coordinator Gregg Williams on Monday. The firing comes a day after the Jets loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Jets had a four-point lead with just a couple of seconds left in the game. Williams called for an all-out blitz and the Raiders ended up scoring a touchdown and winning the game. Williams has been criticized for the call which cost him his job.

One Final Blitz

“Obviously, I wasn’t happy about that call,” Gase told reporters. “That was a heartbreaking way for our guys to lose a game. For that to happen in that situation, we just … we can’t have that happen. I just felt like that was the best thing for our team moving forward. Organizationally, we had a discussion this morning and we felt like that was the best move for us to make.”

“Been around the thing for 58 years, 30 years as a coach,” former Jets coach Rex Ryan said on ESPN. “That’s the dumbest call ever. There’s a time and place for Cover-0 (man coverage with no deep help). That sure ain’t it. It’s just stupid.”

Williams was in his second year with the Jets. In their season the Jets defense is ranked 29th in total defense and 30th in scoring defense. The Jets are also ranked 29th in yards allowed, have blown three fourth-quarter leads, and have an NFL-high 11 roughing the passer penalties.

Assistant head coach and linebacker coach Frank Bush has been named the interim defensive coordinator.