Mark Sanchez is about to have another voice in his head.
The New York Jets have hired Texas high school football coach Eric Taylor as their new quarterbacks coach in the hope that he can return Sanchez to the form that carried the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
Though Taylor has never coached at the NFL level before, many believe he is well-qualified for the job.
“The accomplishments of Coach Taylor are known to everyone,” said head coach Rex Ryan. “His Dillon Panthers won the 2006 Texas state championship. That gives him one more ring than me, so I’m kinda jealous of him right now. But I know we’re gonna get there this year. Plus, I don’t know if there’s a bigger pressure cooker than the New York stage, but if there is, it’s Texas high school football!”
Taylor has mentored several successful quarterbacks to glory in the Longhorn State, including Jason Street, Matt Saracen, J.D. McCoy, and Vince Howard.
Standing at the podium supported by Ryan, owner Woody Johnson, GM John Idzik, and his steadfast wife Tami, Taylor reassured the media that Sanchez will be the starter to begin the season.
“I’ve seen what this kid can do, and he’s my guy. I know there’s been a lot of crap going on here, and I’m here to say that that’s over. Mark is the starter.”
“Clear Eyes…Full Hearts…CAN’T LOSE!” added Taylor.
Coach Taylor tried to dispel rumors that he was working out Matt Saracen, but a YouTube video clearly shows Saracen running wind sprints at the Atlantic Health Center.
When asked about making the transition from Texas to New York, his wife Tami, a principal and guidance counselor in Texas, expressed some doubts.
“Shoot ya’all, I really loved Texas. Part of me feels like I abandoned those kids. I just hope there’s enough underprivileged children in New York City for me to help.”
Not everyone is enthusiastic about the hire, however. Longtime sports talk show host Mike Francesa being one of them.
“The Jets are hiring high school coaches now? Are you kidding me?” he wondered aloud. “Complete and utter nonsense…the circus is still in town, folks!”
When told of Francesa’s comments, Coach Taylor declined comment.