Parcells ideal man to assist Woody in choosing next Jets GM

Woody Johnson is about to enter his most important month as the owner of the Jets.

The team is at a crossroads, and deciding which direction to go is not easy. This is not like 2006, when it was clear the franchise needed a total overhaul and he replaced his general manager and head coach. Nor is it like 2001, the first time he had to hire a GM and coach after Bill Parcells and Al Groh bolted.

This time, the answers are not so clear.

It appears GM Mike Tannenbaum is on his way out. Reports have surfaced the team already is reaching out to potential replacements. But what about coach Rex Ryan? Does he escape blame for the last two years because of the roster’s deterioration? Is it time to tear it all down and rebuild?

One thing is clear: Johnson is going to need help with this process. He has leaned on Tannenbaum and Ryan on all football decisions for the last four years. Clearly, they cannot decide their own fates.

That is why Johnson should call on old friend Parcells and hire him as a consultant to find a new GM. The former Jets and Giants coach seems pretty happy watching the horses in Saratoga and doing some commentary for ESPN. But he always has a football itch and this is the type of temporary job that could fill his football fix and then let him go on his way when the mission is complete.

Parcells still knows the league and understands whose reputation in the scouting community is deserved and whose is not. He hired Jeff Ireland in Miami, who after a few years of struggles now seems to have that franchise heading in the right direction.

Johnson must recognize he does not have the football knowledge to make this hire. Team president Neil Glat seems like a very smart guy, but his background is in the business side of football.

Panthers owner Jerry Richardson made a wise decision by bringing in former Giants GM Ernie Accorsi to oversee their search for a new GM and the team is now zeroing in on Giants personnel man Marc Ross, according to reports.

Parcells would also bring credibility to an organization in desperate need of some. No one would be painting Parcells as a clown.

Would he do it? It’s hard to say. He did not return a text message seeking comment yesterday.

Parcells is close with Tannenbaum and may not want to be involved in any way with his ouster. But he’s also a football man to his core and might enjoy the challenge of interviewing and identifying the best man for this difficult job.

It should then be up to the new GM whether Ryan stays or goes. Fixing the roster needs to begin immediately and it won’t work if the new GM and Ryan are butting heads over what moves need to be made.

Follow @NYPostsports