Gregg Williams cost the Jets one shot in their first win on Sunday and it cost him his job on Monday.
The Jets fired the defensive coordinator the day after he called an all-out blitz 12 seconds from time and the team led the Raiders by four points. The play call resulted in a 46 yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Henry Ruggs III, which gave the Raiders an unlikely 31-28 win and sent the Jets to 0-12.
The 62-year-old Williams has been the Jets’ defensive coordinator since last year when he joined the team with head coach Adam Gase. The Jets occupy 29th place in overall defense and 30th place in goal defense this year.
It would have been difficult to continue Williams as defensive coordinator after the call on Sunday. Defensive Captain Marcus Maye publicly questioned the post-game call several times during a Zoom call with reporters. Members of the organization at all levels, from the players to senior management, were confused and frustrated with Williams’ decision, which was viewed as selfish.
Williams has been a coach in the NFL since 1988. He has served with the Oilers, Titans, Washington, Jaguars, Saints, Rams, and Browns. From 2001 to 2003 he was also the head coach of the Bills.
He is a very aggressive, often aggressive trainer. Williams is best known for his role in the “Bountygate” controversy of the Saints. He was suspended for the 2012 season after the NFL discovered he was administering the bounty program and lying to investigators about it.
Williams joined the Jets last year when Gases was discontinued. Williams’ defense played well in 2019, finishing seventh in overall defense.
This year has been a challenge for Williams. The Jets traded safety for Jamal Adams, the best player on his defense, in July. Linebacker CJ Mosley signed off a week later. As the team’s losing streak grew, the Jets traded for Steve McLendon and linebacker Avery Williamson, two of the team’s leaders.
Williams and Gase clashed earlier this season after Williams threw a punch on the offensive during a meeting with reporters. Williams said his defensive scoring average isn’t all on defense, a not-so-subtle take on offense.
The decision to call a zero blitz against the Raiders has been criticized as one of the worst calls people have ever seen, and it was the last call Williams made for the Jets.
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