The New York Jets are not exactly a franchise known for stability or success, so when a report emerged this week suggesting a blockbuster 2027 pairing of Mike Tomlin and Lamar Jackson in green and white, the reaction was swift and skeptical.
Longtime NFL insider Jason La Canfora floated the idea that the Jets could be a landing spot for both the former Steelers head coach and the two-time MVP quarterback. According to La Canfora, an executive with knowledge of Jets owner Woody Johnson's thinking believes Johnson is already "doing his homework on Tomlin" and that the speculation "has legs."
"Woody is starting to ask a lot of questions; he's doing his homework on Tomlin," the executive told La Canfora. "This one has legs. I'm telling you. Mike is in New York at Rockefeller Center for NBC, Woody is back in charge at the facility, and he knows how steep the competition will be. You are going to hear a lot about the Jets."
As for Jackson, La Canfora reported that "multiple league executives" believe he could seek a trade after previous extension standoffs with the Ravens. The report even suggests that if Tomlin were to take the Jets' job, Jackson would strongly consider following him, given their mutual respect from years of AFC North battles and the Jets' defensive core and draft capital.
But the report has a glaring flaw: the 2026 season hasn't even kicked off yet. Current head coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Geno Smith are still in place, and while expectations are low, it's far too soon to be writing their obituaries. As one fan put it on social media: "I refuse to speculate about 2027 HC candidates before Week 1 of the 2026 season has even begun."
The skepticism wasn't limited to Jets fans. "If Lamar wants to win the ring, I promise he isn't going to the jets and waste his time," one fan wrote. Another dismissed La Canfora's track record: "All Jason does is make up fake scenarios."
Some fans took issue with the timing, noting the potential impact on the locker room. "Love to see @JasonLaCanfora spreading rumors that Woody Johnson is already thinking about firing Aaron Glenn. Should be really beneficial for the locker room's morale to see that their coach is on the hot seat," mocked one observer.
There's no denying that a Tomlin-Jackson tandem would be intriguing in the right environment, but the Jets haven't looked like the right environment for anything in over 15 years. The franchise has a history of high-profile acquisitions failing to translate into wins, and this report feels like more of the same wishful thinking.
While the rumor mill will keep churning, it's worth remembering that Tomlin has hinted at a possible return to coaching in the near future, and several teams could be in the mix if he decides to come back. But for now, the Jets' 2027 plans are pure speculation, and fans are right to roll their eyes.
As one fan succinctly put it: "Putting the cart WAY before the horse."
