The 2025 offseason has begun and teams are ready for change. As of today, six teams are looking for new head coaches. This includes the Jaguars, the Patriots, the Raiders, the Saints, the Bears, and the Jets. After the Jets dismissed Robert Saleh in October, the organization has done its due diligence vetting candidates since then.
As of now, arguably the most viable candidate for multiple teams is ex-Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Despite the team’s interest, the Jets’ chances of landing Vrabel became more difficult once New England fired Jerrod Mayo on Monday. However, New York has expanded their net of candidates far and wide for their next coach.
Jets Expand Pool of Head Coach Candidates
The first weeks of January are very important in the NFL offseason. Organizations conducting interviews for coaching and front office positions. While some teams are looking for only a head coach or just a general manager, the Jets must fill both positions. Thus far, the team has been conducting general manager interviews back in December. Candidates include experienced options like ex-Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and former Titans GM Jon Robinson. Now, they’re focusing on the head coach.
Rex Ryan throwing his hat in the ring
With all options on the table, one well-known candidate is former head coach Rex Ryan. Rex was endeared by the fanbase after replacing Eric Mangini in 2009. He got off to a great start with back-to-back conference championship appearances in 2009 & 2010. But, the team started falling apart after 2011. Ryan went a combined 26-38 between 2011 to 2014 before being terminated. He went to the Buffalo Bills in 2015, before being replaced by Sean McDermott. Although the nostalgia is very real, hiring Rex Ryan after a nearly decade-long hiatus seems ill-advised.
Ex-Falcons head coach who rebuilt his career in Pittsburgh
On the offensive side, one new candidate emerging is Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith needed a fresh start after his first head coach job in Atlanta. The Falcons terminated Smith after going 21-30 between 2021 to 2023. Smith ventured to Pittsburgh and became a huge boost for them. The Steelers finished 2024 going 10-7 with the eighth-best rushing offense in the league. While a bold hire, Smith’s strength in the run game could be huge for the running back room led by Breece Hall and the second-year duo of Braelon Allen & Isaiah Davis.
Young offensive mind on the rise in Tampa Bay
For the third year in a row, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFC South. The transition from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield has been fluid. Even after offensive coordinator Dave Canales left Tampa Bay for the Panthers head coach job, the Buccaneers offense hasn’t missed a beat with new OC Liam Coen. At 39 years old, Coen split time between the Los Angeles Rams and the University of Kentucky Wildcats from 2018 to 2023. He’s worked with quarterbacks outside of Mayfield like Jared Goff & Matthew Stafford with the Rams, as well as developing Will Levis in college. Coen’s success with Mayfield this season could push the Jets to maximize their bridge options at quarterback. While inexperienced, a McVay disciple like Coen could get creative with this offense.
Lions coordinator ready for a homecoming?
Of all the candidates for the job, few stand out like Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. While inconsistent at times, it’s hard not to respect the former Jets cornerback’s transition into coaching. Coincidentally, the man who elevated his game on the field thanks to Bill Parcells is trying to inject that mentality into the next generation. Despite losing Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg, the Lions defense allowed only 20.1 points per game this year, seventh in the league.
Along with the Lions improvements on defense, Glenn could also lure a member of the Lions offensive staff to come to New York. Should Glenn be hired, it’d be a big opportunity for one of Johnson’s assistants to help build the offense. For example, imagine how pleased Garrett Wilson would be getting to work with Lions wide receiver coach Antwan Randle-El. Upon retirement, Randle-El has become a respected coach around the league. Between working with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay to his current success with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Randle-El is the perfect option to take Garrett Wilson to new heights.
Main Photo: [Mark Konezny] – USA Today Sports
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