His fall came faster and went further than expected. From the surprise playoff berth to a 4-12 record last season, then an epic collapse this month. From a 10-6 start to a 23-25 record in three seasons as the Jets’ coach. From Mangenius to Manjobless, just like that.

“In this business, you look at the head coach as somebody who is the general,” cornerback Dwight Lowery said. “He’s the leader. And when things happen the way they did, they happened for a reason, and you’ve got to figure out what that reason is.”

The Jets pointed their collective finger, if not their explanations, directly at Mangini. In the middle of the night, the team announced a 10 a.m. news conference, but instead of Mangini addressing reporters, it was the owner, Woody Johnson, and General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. They wore suits and ties and somber expressions.

Johnson had vouched for Mangini, saying he would be retained no matter how the Jets finished the 2008 season. But on Monday, Johnson said the Jets decided to fire Mangini late Sunday night and informed him in the morning.

Neither Johnson nor Tannenbaum gave specifics on the dismissal. They repeatedly praised Mangini, but also repeatedly said they needed to move on.