Jets, OC Mike LaFleur mutually part ways, source says

The Jets are looking for a new offensive coordinator.

Mike LaFleur will not return for a third season with the Jets, a league source said Wednesday. The source described it as “a mutual parting.”

The Jets will begin their search for LaFleur’s replacement on Thursday.

There was uncertainty regarding LaFleur’s future with the Jets because of the rough and unsettling finish to this season on offense and Zach Wilson’s regression. All that uncertainty and speculation prompted several teams to reach out to the Jets to inquire about LaFleur’s availability, the source said.

After Robert Saleh spoke with LaFleur over the last few days, the Jets decided to allow him to pursue those opportunities. This was LaFleur’s first time as a coordinator. Saleh hired LaFleur shortly after getting the Jets’ job and has known him since he was a teenager.

Although Saleh indicated last week that he wanted LaFleur back, this move doesn’t come as a big surprise.

The Jets, who finished the season 7-10 and lost their last six games, had major issues on offense. They didn’t score a touchdown in their final three games and Wilson’s second NFL season was disappointing, to say the least.

Wilson was benched twice and threw just six touchdown passes in nine games. Taken No. 2 overall in the 2021 draft, Wilson was touted by everyone in the organization as a franchise quarterback not long ago. LaFleur said the coaches “failed” Wilson for not developing him enough.

The status of quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese is unclear at this point.

In LaFleur’s first season, the Jets showed some creativity on offense. They became more predictable this season and went 10 games without a passing touchdown.

Injuries also contributed to the Jets’ struggles. The offensive line lost key players throughout the season. In Week 7, the Jets’ best playmaker, running back Breece Hall and top lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered season-ending injuries.

The Jets finished 25th in total offense, 29th in scoring offense and next-to-last in passing touchdowns. Only the Steelers (12) threw fewer touchdown passes than the Jets (15).  

Saleh said on Monday that the offensive woes don’t just fall on one person, but it starts up top.

“It always starts with the coach,” Saleh said. “It always starts with me. There’s an identity, there’s a mindset, there’s principles, but at the same time, there’s a lot of things.

“It’s not the quarterback’s fault. It’s not the O-Line’s fault, it’s not receivers, it’s not the coordinator, it’s all encompassing. It’s football. There’s 11 players. Every player has a coach. So it’s about finding out how we can get better together and making sure that’s it’s collective, but we all own a piece of it.”

Saleh said on Monday that he hadn’t made any decisions regarding his staff. He did say, however, that he “definitely” would hire an experienced coach in the role of senior offensive assistant. A candidate is Gary Kubiak, a former long-time head coach and offensive coordinator who Saleh worked with in Houston.

An intriguing name for LaFleur’s position is former Colts coach Frank Reich, who was the Eagles' offensive coordinator when they won the Super Bowl five years ago. Reich has ties to general manager Joe Douglas from his time in the Eagles front office. Reich is interviewing for head-coaching vacancies, though.

Former Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who Saleh worked with in Seattle, could be a candidate. Saleh could try to replace LaFleur with someone from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree who is familiar with the West Coast offense and outside zone blocking scheme.

Other potential candidates include ex-Packers OC and Broncos head coach Nathanial Hackett and ex-Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury.

Saleh worked with LaFleur in San Francisco and is close friends with LaFleur’s brother Matt, the Packers' head coach. Mike LaFleur previously served as the 49ers passing game coordinator. LaFleur also held the titles of wide receivers coach and passing game specialist in San Francisco.

Last week, Saleh endorsed LaFleur as his job security became a hot topic. Saleh said he still had faith in LaFleur and sounded as if he wanted this group to continue to grow together.

Instead, the Jets are looking for another offensive coordinator.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.