The New York Jets are preparing for another period of instability, with owner Woody Johnson expected to join Donald Trump’s administration for the second time.
Billionaire Johnson served as the United States’ ambassador to the United Kingdom during the first four years of Trump’s White House, from 2017 to 2021, and it is anticipated he’ll get another role from the president-elect this time around.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, senior league officials and the New York Jets themselves are preparing for the likely situation of Johnson having to once again hand over day-to-day control of the franchise.
It is as yet unclear whether Johnson will be handed the same role as the first time administration or something new, but all roads are heading towards the 77-year-old leaving the Jets for a significant period.
CBS report that the Jets are already putting measures in place to deal with their owner temporarily leaving, and it is expected that his brother Christopher will take control – much like he did during Trump’s first presidency.
Woody Johnson speaks at a Trump rally during the run-up to the 2024 presidential election
Johnson would be leaving the Jets franchise at a pivotal time, with huge decisions ahead
The Jets will be desperate for as smooth a transition as possible during what has already been a tumultuous season, with plenty of changes on and off the field.
At the start of October, Woody Johnson fired head coach Robert Saleh – who was previously brought on board during his time away serving Trump.
The Jets endured a difficult start, going 2-3, and a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London was the final straw.
Christopher Johnson (center) is expected to take day-to-day control if Woody leaves again
At the start of October, Robert Saleh was fired just days after wearing a Lebanon flag
The firing also came just days after Saleh had made a political stance on the sideline by wearing the Lebanon flag on his sleeve. It is still unclear whether that had any bearing on the decision.
The end of the current season will see plenty more decisions made off the field, including who takes the permanent head coaching job, and whether quarterback Aaron Rodgers is handed a new deal.
While Christopher now has three years’ experience in the CEO and chairman role, Woody’s exit would leave the Jets in a tricky position after yet another season of struggle.