Chan

Gailey

This comes after a report earlier this week that Gailey was fired. That wasn’t the case, but he’s headed back to retirement after returning to the NFL from a three-year hiatus last season. Gailey’s departure means Miami will be looking for its third coordinator in as many years. The Dolphins have TE coach George Godsey and RB coach Eric Studesville as in-house options to replace Gailey.

Hey, it happens. Some big 2020 energy to ring in 2021. ESPN has said the error was “in no way Schefter’s fault.” That much is obvious from anyone who follows Schefter’s reporting. 69-year-old (on Tuesday) Gailey did not do an exemplary job replacing Chad O’Shea this season, but his hands were tied by nonstop injuries and personnel changes, including at quarterback. The Dolphins could probably do better, but coach Brian Flores wisely does not want his third coordinator in as many years. Let’s all be good to each other online in this new year.

Miami went completely off the board in hiring Gailey, who hasn’t coached since stepping away following his failed stint under Todd Bowles with the Jets in ’16. The soon-to-be 68-year-old previously leaned on his roots from the spread offense, utilizing a heavy dose of 11 personnel and avoiding power-running formations altogether — terrific news for DeVante Parker, Albert Wilson, and Preston Williams in 2020. Gailey also coaxed 3,000-plus yards and 22 scores out of Tyler Thigpen in ’08 and has worked with Ryan Fitzpatrick for multiple seasons, the most recent being their time together in New York. One could argue Gailey’s scheme still plays in today’s NFL.

Bowles called Gailey a “hell of a coach” while nevertheless failing to endorse him. Gailey is going to be one of many fall guys in New York after a truly disastrous campaign. How much blame Gailey actually deserves is up for debate.

Gailey, 64, said has no plans to retire or resign, so the only way he is not running the offense next season is if he is fired. The calls for that exact scenario have picked up in the second half of a dreadful offensive season, but Gailey said he is not concerned. “I’ve been through this enough times,” Gailey said. “You can’t let it affect who you are, and what you’re trying to get done.” A proven coordinator whose offense overachieved last season, firing Gailey would be a short-sighted decision.

The Jets have also fired QBs coach Kevin Patullo and RBs coach Marcel Shipp. Gailey, who turns 65 this week, claims in a statement that he informed the Jets of his decision before the season. It strains belief, especially since coach Todd Bowles spent Monday talking like Gailey’s status was uncertain. Gailey’s “retirement” could be similar to Bruce Arians’ in 2012. Gailey has been coaching since 1974, including five years as an NFL head coach. He’s a strong offensive mind.

Rapoport adds that Ryan Fitzpatrick will not be re-signed, which almost goes without saying. Per Rapsheet, the Jets want more involvement out of their tight ends (tight ends have caught a combined 17 passes for 166 yards this season) and are also looking to put a greater emphasis on their power running game under a new coordinator. Gailey was a strange hire to begin with and could have trouble landing another gig after a dismal showing in New York this past season.

Gailey, 63, has been out of the league since being fired as the Bills’ head coach following the 2012 season, but he was Bowles’ top choice to run the offense. Gailey went 16-32 across three seasons in Buffalo, but was able to make Ryan Fitzpatrick a serviceable starting quarterback and squeezed 1,703 total yards and eight touchdowns on 250 touches out of C.J. Spiller in an electrifying 2012 campaign. If the Jets choose to keep Percy Harvin at his $10.5 million salary, it could mean big things for him. Gailey likes to spread his offense out and run fast. He was Chip Kelly before Chip Kelly was a thing. We like the hire for the Jets.

Gailey was last seen in Buffalo, where he went 16-32 across three seasons as head coach before getting canned. However, he was able to squeeze electric work out of C.J. Spiller, something no Bills coaches or offensive coordinators have been able to do since. Gailey, now 63 years old, also has a tie to Browns GM Ray Farmer as they worked together in Kansas City in 2008. Other Browns OC candidates include Marc Trestman, Al Saunders and John DeFillipo.

Gailey’s hiring was first reported a week ago, but an official announcement was delayed as Gailey angled for a better deal. Two weeks removed from his 63rd birthday, Gailey faltered as the Bills’ head coach from 2010-12, but favors a fast-paced, modern offense. He spreads the field and tries to rack up plays. He’s an improvement on the departing Marty Mornhinweg. Gailey’s success, of course, will depend in large part on who is under center. Geno Smith would be an unideal solution, but certain to improve under Gailey’s tutelage. The Jets will be strongly linked to ex-Bill C.J. Spiller in free agency.