Patriots vs Jets: The historical playbook of a heated rivalry

Reignited rivalry in the Late 90s

New England Patriots head coach Bill Parcells’ contract was set to expire after the 1996 season. Rumors began swirling that Parcells was seeking a coaching job elsewhere. After the Patriots appearance in Super Bowl XXXI, Parcells resigned.

Since the Jets could not sign Parcells as their head coach, due to contractual obligations, they instead hired him as a consultant. The Jets named Bill Belichick, who had followed Parcells from New England, as their interim head coach.

Just under a week later, the Patriots and Jets reached an agreement which allowed Parcells to coach the Jets, Belichick then became the Jets assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. New England hired San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, Pete Carroll to be their head coach.

For the first time since the 80s, New England and New York were in a fight for the top of the AFC East Division.  The 1998 season for the Jets was one of their most successful ever, with a 12-4 record they won the division.

They also defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional playoff round before losing to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game. New England’s 1998 season did not go as well as the Jets’ did. They held a 9-7 record and lost to the Jaguars in the Wild Card playoff round.