4. Bill Parcells’ Jets
It sure was a short era for the Bill Parcells’ New York Jets, but it was wildly successful.
Coming off of two Rich Kotite seasons, with an overall record of 4-28, Jets fans could hardly contain their enthusiasm when Leon Hess announced to the world that he lured the Big Tuna in.
Not only did Parcells fix the Jets – starting with a shocking 9-7 record in 1997 – he built a foundation that has carried over to this very day.
1998 was the season Vinny Testaverde, Wayne Chrebet, Keyshawn Johnson and Curtis Martin almost broke through. Finishing 12-4, the Jets held a 10-0 third-quarter lead on the defending champion, John Elway led Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game before they infamously let it slip away.
A 1999 Testaverde achilles tear might have been the only thing separating this team from their first Super Bowl since Joe “Willie” Namath.
