According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, The Jets will promote current QB Coach, Jeremy Bates to fill their vacant Offensive Coordinator position. Bates has been coaching in the league since 2002, having held various positions along offensive staffs such as Offensive Quality Control, Offensive Assistant, and QB Coach.

His first opportunity to call plays came in 2008 during his time with the Denver Broncos. He was also the Offensive Coordinator in 2010 with the Seattle Seahawks. Although he does not have much experience, Bates, the Jets, and their fans will all be hoping that the third time is a charm.

Bates was part of ex-Broncos Head Coach, Mike Shanahan’s staff that was fired after the 2008 season. Then in 2010, he was fired after one season with Seattle. The Broncos were the 2nd ranked offense in the league in total offense during his tenure, while the Seahawks ranked 28th. One caveat is that he teamed with Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison in Denver, meaning that he wasn’t the full-time OC. Dennison was the run-game coordinator, while Bates was the pass-game coordinator/play-caller. Dennison is expected to fill the same role as run-game coordinator with the Jets, and the expectation will be that the duo can recreate their 2008 success.

Jeremy Bates is known around the league as a tremendous QB Coach; however, he only has the previously mentioned 2 seasons under his belt calling plays. The X’s and O’s of the game are thought to be his forte. Year Team W L PF Pts Pts/G Yds Yds/G 2008 Denver Broncos 8 8 370 16 23.1 2 395.8 2010 Seattle Seahawks 7 9 310 23 19.4 28 297.8

His career highlight is having coached QB Jay Cutler to a career season in 2008 (his only Pro Bowl) throwing for 4526 Yards, 25 TDs, and a 62.3 completion percentage. He also helped coach Jets QB, Josh McCown to a career year in 2017.

It remains to be seen if Bates will be more successful than his predecessor, John Morton who was let go after one year on the job. The unit ranked 28th in the league during his short stint with the team and never seemed to develop a true offensive identity.

Bates is in the unenviable position of taking over an offense that needs a serious talent upgrade. They currently do not have their starting QB on the roster (unless you believe the team when they say that Christian Hackenberg remains in their future plans), have needs along the offensive line, and still need a true game-breaking #1 RB or WR. Sure, Bilal Powell is a good, complimentary back, and Robby Anderson is currently the team’s most dynamic playmaker, but legal troubles have clouded his future.

Some coaches may shy away from this type of situation while others are inclined to jump on the opportunity. This is Bates’ chance to re-establish his name after the failure that was the 2010 season with Seattle. What better way to ensure your standing in league circles than to finally help the Jets groom their QB of the future.

It seems that Head Coach Todd Bowles truly believes that Bates is the guy to right the ship. He’s young, 41, has a bright mind, and his familiarity with the Jets current personnel cannot be discounted. His offensive scheme should also be a similar style to Morton’s West Coast offense but should take on a more run-heavy approach.

Of course, most of his success will hinge on the play of the team’s Quarterback. His QB friendly system would be beneficial should the Jets draft a young signal caller, sign an impending free agent such as Kirk Cousins, or worst case scenario Josh McCown returns. Cousins would be the ideal fit since he is expected to be the best available Quarterback. He is also familiar with parts of the West Coast offense having played under Washington Head Coach, Jay Gruden, for 4 seasons.

The main focus for Bates should be tailoring his offense around the players that he is given. Many NFL coaches try to force players where they don’t fit. It’s a concept that sounds so simple, yet is something that so many coaches fail to do: put their players in the best position to succeed.

Whichever path the Jets decide to go down for a QB, it’s clear that Bates will have his work cut out for him. He checks all the boxes as a promising coordinator, but his football acumen, ability to teach, and play-calling will be put to the test like never before. If he can solve the Jets QB riddle, he will forever be remembered in the halls of MetLife Stadium. Is Bates up for the task? We’ll find out soon enough.

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