Hours after firing Gregg Williams, Adam Gase explained his decision to relieve the defensive coordinator of his duties.
Williams was dismissed less than 24 hours after New York’s 12th loss of the season, a 31-28 defeat that saw the Jets blow a four-point lead when the coach called for a zero coverage, all-out blitz — even though the Raiders needed to shoot for the end zone with 13 seconds left in the game. Las Vegas QB Derek Carr did just that, lofting a deep ball to Henry Ruggs III. Ruggs III, one of the fastest receivers in the NFL, torched undrafted rookie corner Lamar Jackson with ease and, with no help in sight, hauled in the game-winning touchdown.
HENRY RUGGS FOR THE GO-AHEAD TD!!!!#LVvsNYJ | CBS pic.twitter.com/82kLmV1e5a
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 6, 2020
The loss — and particularly Williams’ unprecedented play call — left Gase and Jets players stunned after the game. Marcus Maye, a typically reserved team captain, was especially critical of his coordinator.
While Gase said Maye’s comments did not impact his decision to fire Williams, the play call did.
“Obviously, I wasn’t happy about that call,” Gase said somberly Monday, per SNY. He also lamented not overriding the play. “That was a heartbreaking way for our guys to lose a game. For that to happen in that situation, we can’t have that happen.”
Gase added that he felt this was the best move for the organization and that while it was his decision, he discussed it with GM Joe Douglas, team president Hymie Elhai and CEO Christopher Johnson Monday morning. All were on board with firing Williams. Gase proceeded to have a nearly hour-long conversation with Williams.
“Obviously, he wasn’t happy,” Gase said, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
With Williams out, assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach Frank Bush will assume the title of interim defensive coordinator. Gase said that no other coaching changes were made; Williams’ son, Blake, is a defensive assistant on the staff.