With the firing of general manager Mike Maccagnan and the criticism that has followed, the early stages of Adam Gase’s tenure with the Jets have been filled with turmoil.
On Thursday, Gase held a press conference for the first time since Maccagnan was let go. He faced plenty of questions regarding the turbulence within the organization and also provided some insight into his feelings on Le’Veon Bell and the state of the team right now.
Here are five takeaways from the press conference.
Gase continues to deny rift with Maccagnan
If there’s one thing you can give Adam Gase credit for, it’s his consistency.
Gase remained steadfast in his denial of a personal rift between himself and Maccagnan. He acknowledged that they had disagreements, but Gase denied the notion that it was personal. He also denied that he told owner Christopher Johnson he could not work with Maccagnan.
Did Gase stab Maccagnan in the back and push him out? He says no. However, at this point, who knows what to believe.
Time to move on
With OTAs underway, Gase would like to move on from the drama of last week.
Offseason workouts are in full swing and according to Gase, the Jets have not been affected by Maccagnan’s ouster. This isn’t much of a surprise, as New York’s coaching staff remains in place and the players don’t spend too much time worrying about the front office. However, Gase would still like to put all of this behind him and get back to worrying about the X’s and O’s.
“What happened last week is over and we need to move on,” said Gase.
No yes men for Gase
Throughout the press conference, Gase provided an update on New York’s general manager search.
Gase reiterated that the power structure will remain the same and the new general manager will report to Christopher Johnson. He also said that the new general manager would have complete control of the 53-man roster.
As for Gase himself, it does not matter to him if he has a pre-existing relationship with whoever the Jets hire. As for the idea that the Jets’ next general manager will be a yes man for Gase, New York’s head coach is having none of that.
Perception doesn’t matter to Gase
Over the past week, Gase has received his fair share of criticism. That hasn’t mattered too much to him, though.
When Gase was asked if public opinion bothered him, his answer was a simple no. The way Gase sees it, this is what he gets paid to do.
“That’s fine — I just want to get paid for it,” Gase said. “I get paid to take the bullets.
As for what the fan base thinks of him, Gase believes winning will cure all ill will.
“I think our fans care if we win or lose,” Gase said. “If we win games, nobody is going to remember this.”
Le’Veon Bell is safe
Have no fear, Jets fans. Star running back Le’Veon Bell is not going anywhere.
Gase confirmed that Bell would not be traded before the start of the regular season despite reports of Gase being unhappy with Bell’s contract.
“That contract was what it was,” Gase said. “We signed him. I’m excited we have him. I’ve been in constant communication with him.”
