Jets fire ex-player from coaching staff

The Jets changed up their coaching staff ahead of offseason workouts.

New York did not renew the contract of special teams assistant coach Leon Washington, according to the New York Post’s Brian Costello. Washington had served this role since 2021 when he was hired by head coach Robert Saleh and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer.

Washington played 10 years in the NFL from 2006 to 2014 as a kick return specialist. He began his career as a fourth-round pick for the Jets, where he played for four seasons. Washington returned 64 punts and 117 kickoffs during his time in New York and made two Pro Bowls during his career — in 2008 for the Jets and in 2012 for the Seahawks.

It’s unclear when Washington’s contract wasn’t renewed or if the Jets will replace him on the staff. The Jets had already lost special teams assistant Michael Ghobrial this offseason after he became the Giants special teams coordinator.

New York had an OK as a special teams unit this past season. The Jets ranked 13th in yards per punt return with 9.7 and 17th in yards per kickoff return with 22.6. Second-year wide receiver Xavier Gipson will likely be the team’s kickoff specialist again in 2024 after he returned 33 punts for 319 yards and one touchdown and 22 kickoffs for 511 yards.

The Jets hope their 2024 fortunes are better than 2023. New York went 7-10 without Aaron Rodgers under center for almost the entire season but made serious moves in the offseason to add weapons and protections for their aging quarterback.

The Jets added four offensive linemen, including first-round draft pick Olu Fashanu, and brought in two new offensive weapons in Mike Williams and Malachi Corley. New York’s schedule should be a lot easier in 2024 as well, which might make the team’s path to the postseason a little more palpable.