Walton’s Days as Coach of N.Y. Jets May Be Dwindling

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — New York Jets Coach Joe Walton’s days are numbered, and you might be able to count them on one hand--five.

Walton’s fate may be determined as early as Tuesday. New General Manager Dick Steinberg confirmed that he and President Steve Gutman will meet Tuesday with the embattled Jets coach, whose job was placed in jeopardy last week when the team acknowledged it was planning to hire a general manager.

Steinberg characterized the scheduled session as a “mini-state-of-the-Jets meeting,” but the ramifications could be major. Steinberg would not comment on whether he is planning to fire Walton at that time, but he did not rule out the possibility.

When asked by reporters if it would be worthwhile to stay near a phone Tuesday, Steinberg said, “You guys use your professional judgment about what you should do. That’s all I can say, and don’t take any innuendoes from that.”

But he added, “It might cause you to be a little more dedicated to your work. Stick around, and see what happens.”

When he was introduced to the media Tuesday, Steinberg said he will complete his front-office evaluations in “the near future.” Understandably, he wants to do the dirty work as quickly as possible. What’s more, Steinberg probably wants to take care of everything before he hits the road to scout the college all-star games. He is planning to attend the Holiday Bowl in San Diego next Friday.