Jets Country

Jets Make More Coaching Changes After Parting With Mike LaFleur

The Jets are making several changes to their coaching staff this offseason.

Max Goodman

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Mike LaFleur isn't the only Jets coach that won't be back in 2023.

Head coach Robert Saleh revealed to reporters on Thursday that New York will also replace offensive line coach and run-game coordinator John Benton as well as wide receiver coach Miles Austin this offseason.

Saleh confirmed what was reported on Wednesday night, explaining that the Jets received a surplus of inquiries regarding LaFleur's availability once the season ended. That led to the decision to part ways and look for a new offensive coordinator. 

"Just talking with Mike, just felt like it would be in everyone's best interest for him to pursue those opportunities," Saleh told reporters on Thursday. "So, he's going to be fine."

New York's offense struggled mightily down the stretch, with a clear weakness in the run game and on the offensive line (not to mention poor play at the quarterback position). Injuries certainly played a role—this team would've been much better with a healthy Breece Hall, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Mekhi Becton and more—but the optics of how the Jets finished the year warranted a change.

Benton, like LaFleur, was finishing up his second season with the Jets. Both coaches  had ties to Saleh, previously working on the 49ers' coaching staff while New York's head coach was also in San Francisco.

"I love John," Saleh said. "He's been coaching in this league for a very long time, I've been with him for a very long time. Just wanted to go in a different direction."

The decision to move on from Austin doesn't come as too much of a surprise either. The coach and former Cowboys wideout was suspended for at least one year after violating the NFL's gambling policy.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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