New York Jets Strategy and Personnel 2008-12-31

Veteran QB Brett Favre has begun his annual retirement/unretirement dance, only with a different partner, the New York Jets. The Jets would like him to decide before the NFL Combine in February, so that they will know if they need to find a starting QB for 2009.

Favre has said he will make a decision more quickly than he did in 2008, although he certainly must be waiting to find out who will be the team's new head coach.

COACHING CAROUSEL: The firing of Eric Mangini, and only Mangini, has left the rest of the staff in a state of limbo. Key offensive assistants Brian Schottenheimer and Bill Callahan will interview for the head-coaching job at some point.

Although the Jets reached out to Bill Cowher, the jut-jawed former Steelers coach isn't interested in coaching in the 2009 season. Another hot candidate is Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who designed the game plan that shut down Tom Brady & Co. in the Super Bowl. Perhaps now that the Jets have canned a former Patriots coach, they will explore ways to beat the Pats rather than emulate them.

The Jets have yet to contact Marty Schottenheimer, but if he eventually became the coach, he probably would want to retain the offensive coordinator, his son, Brian.

FREE AGENT UPDATE: LB Eric Barton, a defensive stalwart since coming over as a free agent before the 2004 season, may not be re-signed, especially if the new coach switches to a 4-3 and the Jets then have a surplus of linebackers. Both kickers, Mike Nugent and Jay Feely, are unrestricted free agents, and both have expressed the desire to be back. Obviously, the Jets will sign only one. Look for them to re-sign FB Tony Richardson, who is getting up in years but still is a tremendous lead blocker and a good change-of-pace ball carrier when called upon.

FEELING A DRAFT: The Jets appear to have the 17th pick in the first round of the April draft. If Favre doesn't come back, they might try to trade up for a quarterback or see if they can find one at that slot. Otherwise, they are looking for a cornerback to team with budding star Darrelle Revis and a game-breaking wide receiver.

Defensive end/linebacker: The Jets still could use a big-time edge rusher, although they haven't given up on 2008 sixth overall pick Vernon Gholston yet.

Cornerback: The secondary needs a solid corner to play opposite lockdown CB Darrelle Revis.

Wide receiver: The Jets need a speedster who can stretch defenses, something they've lacked since trading away Santana Moss after the 2004 season.

MEDICAL WATCH: K Mike Nugent (right hamstring) was well enough to play by the middle of the season but never returned after being injured on opening day.

NT Kris Jenkins (hip) didn't miss any games, but that injury may have limited the Pro Bowler's effectiveness the last five games.

QB Brett Favre has been told he has a torn biceps tendon and calcification in the area. Favre has been told the problem can be fixed with arthroscopic surgery.

LB Eric Barton (knee) played through an injury late in the season but didn't miss any time.

LB David Harris (ankle) left the final game with an ankle injury and didn't return. It's not known if surgery will be required. He already had a surgical procedure to repair a groin injury and missed the entire month of November.