Pepper Johnson knows who is standing in the way of the Jets — just about everyone.
The former Giants/Jets linebacker, who spent two seasons (2015-16) as the Jets’ defensive line coach, unleashed a wave of criticism upon the team that fired him, calling out the Jets for their culture, conflicting philosophies and consistently poor management, while offering individual rebukes for owner Woody Johnson, general manager Mike Maccagnan, coach Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers, during a lengthy Q-and-A with Deadspin.
Pepper Johnson, 54, vented frustration with Bowles and Rodgers’ refusal to implement — or even consider — schemes he used in 14 seasons coaching under Bill Belichick with the Patriots, like matching the pass rush with coverage, and said he was a “scapegoat” for the Jets’ defensive issues.