The bond between a quarterback and coach is vital for NFL teams aiming for success

The partnership between a head coach and a quarterback is crucial. It doesn’t matter how talented the offensive coordinator is; if the coach and QB aren’t on the same page, it’s a tough road ahead. Think back to legends like Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr, or Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Those relationships made all the difference.
Jets fans are dreaming big. They want a coach like Andy Reid, who took the Eagles to a Super Bowl before teaming up with Patrick Mahomes. They’re also eyeing names like Dan Campbell and Sean McVay, who have proven they can lead teams to success. Even John Harbaugh has shown he can win big games with different quarterbacks.
John Mara, the Giants’ owner, is hoping he made the right choice by bringing back Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll. But with the Jets, Woody Johnson needs to nail the next coaching hire. They need someone who can change the culture, like Campbell has done in Detroit.
I once chatted with Ernie Accorsi, a veteran in NFL front offices, and he said it’s ultimately a coach’s game. Sure, the GMs do important work, but without the right coach, it’s all for nothing. Coaches can come in with a bang, like Campbell, or quietly win multiple Super Bowls like Belichick.
Since Tom Coughlin left, the Giants have cycled through several coaches, with mixed results. The Jets have had their share of struggles too, especially since Rex Ryan’s days. Fans of both teams are looking at the quarterbacks still in the playoffs and feeling a bit envious. But they should also be eyeing the successful coaches leading those teams.
It’s not just about how candidates perform in interviews. Sometimes, those interviews are more about show than substance. John Mara learned that the hard way with Joe Judge, who initially impressed but ultimately fell short. The Jets have had their own coaching carousel, and now they’re hoping to finally get it right.
In the end, it’s not just about finding another star quarterback. The Jets need to focus on finding a coach who can lead them to success, just like Bill Parcells did back in the day.