The Jets have maintained their strength and conditioning team, led by Mike Nicolini, without making any adjustments. Nicolini was brought on during the same time as DeWeese & Co. in 2021, which was also Robert Saleh’s first year as head coach. However, the Jets have faced a significant amount of injuries during Saleh’s tenure, resulting in a record of 18-33.
A representative for the Jets declined to comment, citing the team’s policy of not disclosing the status of its employees. According to a source, the three departures were not due to poor performance. Another source stated that Sams chose to leave voluntarily.
Following a season filled with injuries in 2020, the Jets took a closer look at the problem and made a daring decision to bring on DeWeese and establish a performance department. The goal was to enhance player safety by bringing together key areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation, and mental performance.The New York Jets’ athletic care and performance department, created three years ago to combat a high injury rate, has undergone a shake-up in the aftermath of another injury-plagued season. Three experts hired to lead the department are no longer with the organization, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
Brad DeWeese, who was appointed as the high performance director in March 2021, has left. His top subordinates, Robert Sausaman and Matt Sams, the assistant director of high performance and the director of sports science, respectively, have also departed.
The 2023 season for the Jets was characterized by multiple injuries, with the most significant being quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ torn Achilles during the fourth play of the season. As a result, the offensive line was severely impacted by injuries, leading to 13 different starting combinations. In total, 15 different linemen were called upon to play. The Jets ended the season with a record of 7-10 and were ranked 31st in total yards.
Regarding the matter at hand, he expressed, “We have undeniably put a great deal of effort into bolstering that role. I recall discussing previously with you the significance of having players consistently available for our team, and unfortunately, over the past two years, we have faced numerous injuries.”
Following the end of the season, Joe Douglas, the general manager, addressed the issue of injuries. According to Douglas, “certain injuries are unavoidable,” but he also stated that the Jets have made significant improvements in preventing soft-tissue injuries.
Rich Cimini, a writer for ESPN.
The Jets have made several additions to their line this offseason, including Morgan Moses, John Simpson, and Tyron Smith. They also drafted left tackle Olu Fashanu in the first round.
