With John Morton fired, here's how Jets' new coordinator can fix offense

It's been a long time since the Jets had an elite offense — all the way back in 2004. Just check out where they have finished in Football Outsiders' offensive DVOA ratings, with the coordinator that year noted: 

2017: 24th (John Morton) 

2016: 31st (Chan Gailey) 

2015: 14th (Chan Gailey) 

2014: 25th (Marty Mornhinweg) 

2013: 27th (Marty Mornhinweg) 

2012: 30th (Tony Sparano) 

2011: 21st (Brian Schottenheimer)

2010: 16th (Brian Schottenheimer)

2009: 22nd (Brian Schottenheimer)

2008: 19th (Brian Schottenheimer)

2007: 25th (Brian Schottenheimer)

2006: 15th (Brian Schottenheimer)

2005: 31st (Mike Heimerdinger) 

2004: 5th (Paul Hackett) 

2003: 8th (Paul Hackett) 

2002: 4th (Paul Hackett) 

2001: 11th (Paul Hackett) 

Well, yeah. This seems obvious, but it's been easier said than done for the Jets' recent offensive coordinators. The new coordinator needs to get on the same page with coach Todd Bowles and his philosophy, which wasn't always the case with Morton. Too often, Morton tried to use strategy that might have worked for the Saints (where he previously coached), but didn't work for the Jets. Two different sets of personnel. Ultimately, it's about developing a strategy around your personnel, not forcing personnel into a predetermined strategic approach. 

Morton got overly pass happy at times, despite the Jets' limitations in that department. Ultimately, on a whole, the Jets did not throw the ball a ton in 2017, compared to the rest of the league. They attempted 510 passes, which ranked 25th in the NFL. They ran the ball 427 times (17th-most in the league). All told, the Jets' 984 plays ranked 25th in the league, which gets back to developing an offense that can stay on the field. 

Morton clashed not only with Bowles, but also with other assistant coaches. And veteran running back Matt Forte openly questioned Morton's pass-happy approach. Not a good sign. The new offensive coordinator needs to do a better job of finding common ground with Bowles, the other assistant coaches, and the players. This isn't the single biggest key to developing a successful offense, but it certainly helps.