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New York Jets: Ranking every coach in franchise history

By Michael Pallas

28 Jul 1998: General view of the new helmets for the New York Jets during the 1998 New York Jets Training Camp at the Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport
28 Jul 1998: General view of the new helmets for the New York Jets during the 1998 New York Jets Training Camp at the Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport /
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GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 10: ESPN reporter Lou Holtz looks on during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game between the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 10: ESPN reporter Lou Holtz looks on during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game between the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

15. Lou Holtz (1976), 3-10 record

Holtz is one of the many cautionary tales for coaches and general managers. Unlike players, success at the college level isn’t generally going to lead to a successful run in the NFL.

After leading the North Carolina State Wolpack to a 33-13-3 record, and ACC title and two bowl wins, Holtz decided to give the NFL a shot. Well, that didn’t go so well. While Holtz did become noted for his ability to motivate, it sure didn’t work for the Jets in 1976.

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It takes a strong man to admit when he doesn’t belong, and as noted in the New York Times in 1996, he said after 13 games with the Jets.

"God did not put Lou Holtz on this earth to coach in the pros."

He just didn’t handle coaching in the pros the right way trying to do it as if he was still at NC State. It was just not meant to be for Holtz, but things worked out for him in the end. He won a national title at Notre Dame in 1988. In 2008, he was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

14. Charley Winner (1974-75), 9-14 record

Here comes the most ironic coach on this list. His last name is winner, but he finished his tenure with the Jets five games under .500. Before coaching the Jets, he had a decent run with the St. Louis Cardinals. He led them to three above .500 seasons and an overall record of 35-30-5. Things would be very different in New York, though.

Like many coaches we’ve seen in recent Jets vintage, Winner didn’t start off poorly. He was 7-7 in his first season, and in fact, the team won it’s last six games of the season to get to .500. The end of the season wouldn’t continue for the Jets in 1975, though, losing seven of their first nine games, and by an average margin of 17 points. He was fired and replaced by Ken Shipp for the final five games.

13. Bulldog Turner (1962), 5-9 record

It’s very easy to see why the Titans were 5-9 and finished in last place the season before changing their name to the Jets. After giving one of the best quarterbacks of his time — Sammy Baugh — a shot at being the first coach Turner was assigned to the position.

The record isn’t completely his fault, though. The lack of success in 1962 can be traced to owner Harry Wismer having a cash flow problem and not paying the players. Not getting the money they were owed gave the players incentive to not play or not play as passionately as they otherwise would.

This would lead the team to being at or near the bottom of the AFL in every statistical category on both sides of the ball. The team would eventually be bought by a group headed by Sonny Wirblin who would fie Turner after one season.

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