Defensive Secondary Coach
"Crowe's professional coaching experience includes two seasons in the WFL with the Charlotte Hornets in 1974 and Chicago Winds in 1975, both times under former Jets quarterback Babe Parilli. His college coaching experience includes a stint at VMI from 1959 through 1962 when the school produced three consecutive Southern Conference champions, Vanderbilt from 1963 through 1966, Cornell from 1967 through 1969, Maryland under Roy Lester in 1970-71 and Northeast Louisiana in 1972-73.
Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Burley played college football at Shepherd College in Sheperdstown, West Virginia from 1951-55. He holds a B.S. degree from Shepherd College."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
1976 Profile: Joe Gardi
Special Teams Coach
"A proven coach at all levels, Gardi joins the Jets staff after serving as head coach of the Portland Thunder in the WFL for three games.
He began his coaching career as head coach at Oratory Prep in Summit, New Jersey where he produced two winning seasons in three years for a school which had not won in five years. He moved to Roselle Park (NJ) High School as head coach, and in his third season won the state championship after the school had not produced a winner in 10 seasons.
Joe then became the freshman coach at Maryland in 1970 before becoming the offensive line coach for the varsity in 1971 and 1972 and receiver coach from 1972 through 1974. He joined the Philadelphia Bell of the WFL in 1974 as special teams and running backs coach and coached the offensive backs for the Bell until mid-season 1975 when he was named interim head coach. In his one game as head coach, the Bell defeated Portland and the next week, Gardi was named head coach at Portland. The Thunder, in three games, won two before the WFL folded.
He played collegiately at Maryland as both an offensive and a defensive tackle. He signed as a free agent with Washington, then with Buffalo but failed to make either club.
Gardi was born in Newark, New Jersey and is a native of Harrison, New Jersey."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"A proven coach at all levels, Gardi joins the Jets staff after serving as head coach of the Portland Thunder in the WFL for three games.
He began his coaching career as head coach at Oratory Prep in Summit, New Jersey where he produced two winning seasons in three years for a school which had not won in five years. He moved to Roselle Park (NJ) High School as head coach, and in his third season won the state championship after the school had not produced a winner in 10 seasons.
Joe then became the freshman coach at Maryland in 1970 before becoming the offensive line coach for the varsity in 1971 and 1972 and receiver coach from 1972 through 1974. He joined the Philadelphia Bell of the WFL in 1974 as special teams and running backs coach and coached the offensive backs for the Bell until mid-season 1975 when he was named interim head coach. In his one game as head coach, the Bell defeated Portland and the next week, Gardi was named head coach at Portland. The Thunder, in three games, won two before the WFL folded.
He played collegiately at Maryland as both an offensive and a defensive tackle. He signed as a free agent with Washington, then with Buffalo but failed to make either club.
Gardi was born in Newark, New Jersey and is a native of Harrison, New Jersey."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, September 27, 2015
1976 Profile: Dan Henning
Quarterback and Receivers Coach
"Henning joins the Jets staff with experience as both a coach and player in the college and professional ranks. He has coached some of college and professional football's best passing quarterbacks including Kim Hammond, Gary Huff, Bill Cappleman, Don Strock, Tommy Warren, Dan Pastorini and Lynn Dickey. Henning is the third Florida State assistant to coach the passing game for the Jets.
He played quarterback at William & Mary under Lou Holtz and finished 14th in the nation in passing in 1963 behind names like Don Trull, George Mira, Jerry Rhome, Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. Dan played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers from 1964 through 1967.
Dan became an assistant coach under Bill Peterson at Florida State where he handled the passing game from 1968 through 1970 before moving to Virginia Tech in 1971. He rejoined Peterson as quarterback and receivers coach with the Houston Oilers in 1972, returned to Virginia Tech in 1973 under Charlie Coffey and returned to Florida State in 1974 under Darrell Mudra. In 1975 Dan served as resident manager of security for John C. Mandel Co. at the World Trade Center.
Born in the Bronx, Dan graduated from St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn where he was all-league and all-city."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"Henning joins the Jets staff with experience as both a coach and player in the college and professional ranks. He has coached some of college and professional football's best passing quarterbacks including Kim Hammond, Gary Huff, Bill Cappleman, Don Strock, Tommy Warren, Dan Pastorini and Lynn Dickey. Henning is the third Florida State assistant to coach the passing game for the Jets.
He played quarterback at William & Mary under Lou Holtz and finished 14th in the nation in passing in 1963 behind names like Don Trull, George Mira, Jerry Rhome, Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. Dan played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers from 1964 through 1967.
Dan became an assistant coach under Bill Peterson at Florida State where he handled the passing game from 1968 through 1970 before moving to Virginia Tech in 1971. He rejoined Peterson as quarterback and receivers coach with the Houston Oilers in 1972, returned to Virginia Tech in 1973 under Charlie Coffey and returned to Florida State in 1974 under Darrell Mudra. In 1975 Dan served as resident manager of security for John C. Mandel Co. at the World Trade Center.
Born in the Bronx, Dan graduated from St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn where he was all-league and all-city."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, September 26, 2015
1976 Profile: Jim Champion
Defensive Line Coach
"Champion's coaching background includes a wealth of experience on the high school level, in the Canadian Football League and in the NFL. He joins the Jet staff after serving as defensive line coach for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974 and 1975. He scouted for St. Louis in 1973.
Jim coached three years of high school football before becoming an assistant coach at Mississippi State from 1957 through 1961. He moved to Vancouver of the CFL in a similar capacity from 1962 through 1965 before joining St. Louis as line coach in 1966. Jim returned to Vancouver as head coach from 1967 through 1970, then joined the New Orleans Saints as an assistant in 1971 and 1972.
He played professionally with the New York Yankees and Dallas Texans from 1950 through 1952 after a standout career at Mississippi State as an all-conference tackle. Jim was born in Tillatoba, Mississippi."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"Champion's coaching background includes a wealth of experience on the high school level, in the Canadian Football League and in the NFL. He joins the Jet staff after serving as defensive line coach for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974 and 1975. He scouted for St. Louis in 1973.
Jim coached three years of high school football before becoming an assistant coach at Mississippi State from 1957 through 1961. He moved to Vancouver of the CFL in a similar capacity from 1962 through 1965 before joining St. Louis as line coach in 1966. Jim returned to Vancouver as head coach from 1967 through 1970, then joined the New Orleans Saints as an assistant in 1971 and 1972.
He played professionally with the New York Yankees and Dallas Texans from 1950 through 1952 after a standout career at Mississippi State as an all-conference tackle. Jim was born in Tillatoba, Mississippi."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, September 24, 2015
1976 Profile: Bob Fry
Offensive Line Coach
"The only assistant retained by new head coach Lou Holtz, Fry rejected several offers; he stayed to help the Jets return to prominence. He has a record of 23 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach.
Before coming to the Jets, he coached the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line under head coach Chuck Noll. The Steelers running attack in 1972 under Fry established a club record for yardage.
He played for the Rams from 1953 through 1959 with two years out for a military hitch. He was an original member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1964.
Bob began his coaching career with Atlanta as a scout in 1965 and was assistant player personnel director and offensive line coach for the Falcons in 1967-68. He joined the Steelers in 1969.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bob was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early 1950s."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"The only assistant retained by new head coach Lou Holtz, Fry rejected several offers; he stayed to help the Jets return to prominence. He has a record of 23 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach.
Before coming to the Jets, he coached the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line under head coach Chuck Noll. The Steelers running attack in 1972 under Fry established a club record for yardage.
He played for the Rams from 1953 through 1959 with two years out for a military hitch. He was an original member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1964.
Bob began his coaching career with Atlanta as a scout in 1965 and was assistant player personnel director and offensive line coach for the Falcons in 1967-68. He joined the Steelers in 1969.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bob was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early 1950s."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
1976 Profile: Walt Michaels
Defensive Coordinator
"Michaels returns to the Jets as defensive coordinator, the first position filled by new head coach Lou Holtz as a priority move. He masterminded the growth and development of Jet defenses from 1963 through 1972 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in a similar capacity.
Michaels' Jet defenses became among the most respected in the old AFL and in the AFC. The 1968 defense led the AFL in rushing defense and in total defense, the 1969 defense was second in the AFL and in 1970, rose to first in the AFC.
He was a prominent figure in the Jets Super Bowl III victory over Baltimore even though Joe Namath, Matt Snell and the receivers received the publicity. The Jets defense checked the Colts throughout the game and held Baltimore scoreless until the final five minutes. The secondary that day, composed of four free agents, intercepted four passes and set the stage for what experts call the greatest upset in pro football history, 16-7.
Walt has had several players reach all-star or Pro Bowl status including Verlon Biggs, Larry Grantham, Al Atkinson, Bill Bradley and Bill Bergey. As a player, he was a four-time All-Pro linebacker with the Cleveland Browns from 1955-58. Walt played with the Browns from 1952-61, including two NFL championship games, and on five division champions. He began his pro career with Green Bay in 1951.
He coached the Oakland Raiders defensive line before joining the Jets staff as defensive line coach. In 1967, he coached the linebackers and secondary.
Born in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, Walt holds a B.A. in psychology and education from Washington & Lee. His brother, Lou, was a standout tackle and place kicker in the NFL."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"Michaels returns to the Jets as defensive coordinator, the first position filled by new head coach Lou Holtz as a priority move. He masterminded the growth and development of Jet defenses from 1963 through 1972 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in a similar capacity.
Michaels' Jet defenses became among the most respected in the old AFL and in the AFC. The 1968 defense led the AFL in rushing defense and in total defense, the 1969 defense was second in the AFL and in 1970, rose to first in the AFC.
He was a prominent figure in the Jets Super Bowl III victory over Baltimore even though Joe Namath, Matt Snell and the receivers received the publicity. The Jets defense checked the Colts throughout the game and held Baltimore scoreless until the final five minutes. The secondary that day, composed of four free agents, intercepted four passes and set the stage for what experts call the greatest upset in pro football history, 16-7.
Walt has had several players reach all-star or Pro Bowl status including Verlon Biggs, Larry Grantham, Al Atkinson, Bill Bradley and Bill Bergey. As a player, he was a four-time All-Pro linebacker with the Cleveland Browns from 1955-58. Walt played with the Browns from 1952-61, including two NFL championship games, and on five division champions. He began his pro career with Green Bay in 1951.
He coached the Oakland Raiders defensive line before joining the Jets staff as defensive line coach. In 1967, he coached the linebackers and secondary.
Born in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, Walt holds a B.A. in psychology and education from Washington & Lee. His brother, Lou, was a standout tackle and place kicker in the NFL."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Monday, September 21, 2015
1976 Profile: Lou Holtz
Head Coach
"'There is something about Lou Holtz that just clicks,' Jets general manager Al Ward said in introducing new head coach Lou Holtz to New York.
'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches.'
One pro head coach and former coach of Lou Holtz, Detroit's Rick Forzano, said, 'I know him and I'll tell you he is an exceptional person and and an exceptional coach. I predict that in one year, what they'll be saying about him in New York is that they haven't had a guy like him before.'
Holtz, who literally worked miracles at North Carolina State in four seasons, faces a similar task with the Jets, a team coming off its worst season in history- 3-11. His approach is simple, but typically Lou Holtz:
'I believe in God, Lou Holtz and the Jets, in just about that order,' he said in becoming the club's sixth head coach. 'To me, the delight in coaching always comes from creating and not in maintaining. I'm not a miracle worker, but I guarantee we'll field a team that will play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win.'
Miracles by Holtz had almost become a legend at N.C. State when the 39-year-old amateur magician joined the Jets' new push for the top. In four seasons, Holtz won 33 games, lost 12 and tied two. He took the Wolfpack to four consecutive postseason bowl games- winning two, tying one and losing one. His 1974 club (9-2-1) became the first team in the history of the school to conclude the season ranked in the top 10 (ninth).
The trademark of Holtz-coached teams has been innovation and explosive offense. During the Holtz era, his teams eclipsed 91 N.C. State records while 14 Atlantic Coast Conference records were equalled of bettered.
Holtz looks to subtle changes to bring the Jets back. 'I tell players that you are not born a winner, but you also are not born a loser. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play. We have the talent to win.'
Holtz, working under a five-year contract, bristles at the thought of rebuilding. 'I don't want to rebuild. I want to win, now. But when we win, I want a good foundation where we will win for years to come, which means building with draft choices.'
And he is convinced his Jet club will move the football, but says blithely: 'I hope to God it's forward.'
His coaching background indicates moves forward. He began as a graduate assistant at Kent State (1958) before moving to Iowa as an assistant coach in 1960. In 1961 through 1963, he served as an assistant coach at William & Mary before joining Forzano at Connecticut (1964-65). After serving two seasons as an assistant at South Carolina and one season under Woody Hayes at Ohio State, Holtz returned to William & Mary as head coach and promptly took the school to its first bowl appearance in 24 years and first Southern Conference title (1971) in 23 years.
At North Carolina State, Holtz inherited a loser and immediately produced an 8-3 team. He left N.C. State after compiling the best won-loss record in the school's 84-year history. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year and NCAA District III Coach of the Year after the 1972 season. In seven years as a collegiate head coach, Holtz compiled a 46-31-2 overall record.
Enthusiasm and straight forward talk are the trademarks of the 5-10, 150-pound dynamo. He is in heavy demand as a clinic and after dinner speaker, and has conducted clinics for the U.S. Air Force in England and Germany as well as coaching in the first Japan Bowl in 1975.
A native of Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz was born on January 6, 1937. He played high school football at East Liverpool (Ohio) and played center and middle linebacker at Kent State in 1956-57. He holds a B.S. in education from Kent State and a Master's degree in education from Iowa.
Holtz and his wife Beth have four children: Luanne Rae, Louis, Jr. (Skip), Kevin Richard (K.R.) and Elizabeth Jane."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
"'There is something about Lou Holtz that just clicks,' Jets general manager Al Ward said in introducing new head coach Lou Holtz to New York.
'He was strongly recommended by football people at all levels- players, scouts, college coaches and pro coaches.'
One pro head coach and former coach of Lou Holtz, Detroit's Rick Forzano, said, 'I know him and I'll tell you he is an exceptional person and and an exceptional coach. I predict that in one year, what they'll be saying about him in New York is that they haven't had a guy like him before.'
Holtz, who literally worked miracles at North Carolina State in four seasons, faces a similar task with the Jets, a team coming off its worst season in history- 3-11. His approach is simple, but typically Lou Holtz:
'I believe in God, Lou Holtz and the Jets, in just about that order,' he said in becoming the club's sixth head coach. 'To me, the delight in coaching always comes from creating and not in maintaining. I'm not a miracle worker, but I guarantee we'll field a team that will play exciting, enthusiastic football with a will to win.'
Miracles by Holtz had almost become a legend at N.C. State when the 39-year-old amateur magician joined the Jets' new push for the top. In four seasons, Holtz won 33 games, lost 12 and tied two. He took the Wolfpack to four consecutive postseason bowl games- winning two, tying one and losing one. His 1974 club (9-2-1) became the first team in the history of the school to conclude the season ranked in the top 10 (ninth).
The trademark of Holtz-coached teams has been innovation and explosive offense. During the Holtz era, his teams eclipsed 91 N.C. State records while 14 Atlantic Coast Conference records were equalled of bettered.
Holtz looks to subtle changes to bring the Jets back. 'I tell players that you are not born a winner, but you also are not born a loser. You're what you think you are. I've seen this team play. We have the talent to win.'
Holtz, working under a five-year contract, bristles at the thought of rebuilding. 'I don't want to rebuild. I want to win, now. But when we win, I want a good foundation where we will win for years to come, which means building with draft choices.'
And he is convinced his Jet club will move the football, but says blithely: 'I hope to God it's forward.'
His coaching background indicates moves forward. He began as a graduate assistant at Kent State (1958) before moving to Iowa as an assistant coach in 1960. In 1961 through 1963, he served as an assistant coach at William & Mary before joining Forzano at Connecticut (1964-65). After serving two seasons as an assistant at South Carolina and one season under Woody Hayes at Ohio State, Holtz returned to William & Mary as head coach and promptly took the school to its first bowl appearance in 24 years and first Southern Conference title (1971) in 23 years.
At North Carolina State, Holtz inherited a loser and immediately produced an 8-3 team. He left N.C. State after compiling the best won-loss record in the school's 84-year history. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year and NCAA District III Coach of the Year after the 1972 season. In seven years as a collegiate head coach, Holtz compiled a 46-31-2 overall record.
Enthusiasm and straight forward talk are the trademarks of the 5-10, 150-pound dynamo. He is in heavy demand as a clinic and after dinner speaker, and has conducted clinics for the U.S. Air Force in England and Germany as well as coaching in the first Japan Bowl in 1975.
A native of Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz was born on January 6, 1937. He played high school football at East Liverpool (Ohio) and played center and middle linebacker at Kent State in 1956-57. He holds a B.S. in education from Kent State and a Master's degree in education from Iowa.
Holtz and his wife Beth have four children: Luanne Rae, Louis, Jr. (Skip), Kevin Richard (K.R.) and Elizabeth Jane."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)