Pepper

Johnson

The Jets have also axed OLBs coach Mark Collins and DBs coach Joe Danna. We don’t normally post position coach news, but this one is notable. Johnson is a big name in the industry, and is the first of what figures to be multiple Jets assistants to be shown the door. Johnson made his name with the Pats, but oversaw a wildly underachieving unit with Gang Green.

Johnson, now 50, won two Super Bowls as a linebacker for Giants head coach Bill Parcells and assistant Bill Belichick. He’s been coaching ever since retiring in 1998. Other candidates for the Giants’ DC job vacated by Perry Fewell include Mike Smith, Raheem Morris and Steve Spagnuolo.

Johnson, passed over repeatedly for DC jobs over the last few years, was always considered a longshot. Steve Spagnuolo is the favorite to replace fired Perry Fewell. A decision is expected by the end of the week.

Johnson had been a candidate for the Giants’ defensive coordinator position, but he lost out to Steve Spagnuolo. A long-time Patriots assistant, Johnson spent last season running the Bills’ dominant defensive line.