Jets have confidence in Rob Calabrese as coach
Jets QB Zach Wilson talks to quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese at training camp on July 30, 2021 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Credit: Getty Images/Adam Hunger
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Rob Calabrese had other job opportunities this offseason, but he chose to remain the Jets’ quarterbacks coach.
Robert Saleh divulged that on Wednesday as he praised Calabrese, the former East Islip star quarterback, as a coach.
“He’s definitely got coordinator potential,” Saleh said. “I don’t want to put his business on blast, but he was courted this offseason in terms of job opportunities and coordinator opportunities and he elected to stay. Very talented young man, very knowledgeable, played the position and he’s young. He’s a sponge and he’s getting better every single day as a football coach.”
Calabrese is in his second season with the Jets. He previously worked with the Broncos as an offensive quality control coach. Calabrese will have a bigger role this season in developing Zach Wilson.
Last year, the Jets had offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, senior offensive assistant Matt Cavanaugh, Calabrese and Wilson’s personal coach John Beck in the young quarterback’s ear. Cavanaugh and Beck did not return. LaFleur and Calabrese will be the only voices — and Calabrese the main one.
“I have so much confidence in Rob Calabrese,” LaFleur said. “We’ll see what the results bring, but he is a really, really good football coach and a great communicator and great person. He’s been phenomenal. He sees things really well.”
Denzel impressing
Saleh noted that receiver Denzel Mims returned in “fantastic shape” and said he’s much further along on everything than he was last year. Mims had a disappointing second season after missing OTAs with a bad case of food poisoning and part of the season with COVID-19. Saleh said Mims is much more explosive in his movements.
“Denzel’s doing better,” Saleh said. “Second time around, he’s in fantastic shape, looks really good, he’s working on the things that we’ve asked him to work on with regards to the catch point, contested balls and obviously grasping the offense . . . He’s a lot further along today than he was a year ago.”
Waiting on Mekhi
Mekhi Becton, who recently became a father, remains home in Dallas, working out and rehabbing from knee surgery last year. Saleh expects Becton to attend the three-day mandatory minicamp in two weeks.
“We’re in communication with him,” Saleh said. “It’s no hurry.”
The Jets have three offensive linemen coming back from knee surgery — Becton, Connor McGovern and George Fant. Saleh said they all “should be” ready for the start of training camp.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
