Jets fire Eric Mangini

The New York Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini on Monday during a hastily-called early-morning press conference.

The process to replace Mangini will take more time, according to executive vice president and general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who consistently referred to the "process" and didn't move from that stance when names like Bill Parcells and Bill Cowher were floated as possible replacements.

The first domino to fall occurred in swift, decisive fashion after a 2:45 a.m. (et) announcement about the 10:00 a.m. (et) press conference.

It was announced Mangini wouldn't attend the press conference, at which it was disclosed Mangini would no longer have an office at Jets headquarters.

The Jets (9-7) lost four of their final five games, spiraling from an opportunity at the AFC's top seed to a seat on the sidelines for the playoffs.

New York was thinking big things when Brett Favre arrived with the Jets and the club got off to an 8-3 start following a 34-13 victory at previously unbeaten Tennessee. The five-game winning streak gave the Jets a two-game edge in the AFC East division race.

However, a home loss to Denver was followed by a loss at San Francisco. After a win against Buffalo, the Jets let their playoff destiny slip away with defeats in Seattle and at home against Miami to finish at 9-7.

"We win as a team and lose as a team," said Tannenbaum. "But we felt this was the right decision."

The 37-year-old Mangini finished with a 23-25 mark and one playoff appearance in his three seasons at the helm, making the postseason in his first season and overseeing a dismal 4-12 campaign in 2007.

This offseason brought promise and an open checkbook, equaling $140 million in contracts to veterans defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, offensive guard Alan Faneca, defensive lineman Calvin Pace and offensive lineman Damien Woody.

Then came the move for the future Hall of Famer Favre in August, raising expectations and the pressure on the still relatively new head coach.

The Jets appeared ready to meet and even exceed those expectations with the fast start, which was followed by an equally fast plummet to the outside of the postseason.

As reported on Kansascity.com
www.kansascity.com/491/story/956151.html