The New York Jets have narrowed down their search for a new head coach by interviewing two top candidates. Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and former Buffalo Bills and Jets coach Rex Ryan will interview with team officials this week.
Vrabel, 49, is considered one of the most coveted candidates in the current hiring cycle, having previously coached the Titans to three postseason appearances and a 54-45 regular-season record. His departure from Tennessee came after six seasons with the team, during which he compiled an underwhelming 13-21 record in his final two seasons.
Ryan, who coached the Jets from 2009 to 2014, has also been brought back into the fold after previously interviewing with the team. Under his leadership, the Jets reached the postseason twice but ultimately failed to progress beyond that stage.
The team is looking to replace Robert Saleh, who was fired in October following a 20-36 record in three-plus seasons. The current interim coach, Jeff Ulbrich, has expressed optimism about being considered for the top job and will interview next week.
With four candidates already interviewing for the general manager position, including Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson, Jim Nagy, and Louis Riddick, the Jets are working closely with data analysis firm The 33rd Team to find the right fit. Former GMs Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman will lead this project, having previously worked on similar searches for other teams.
The team’s season is set to close out with a loss against the Miami Dolphins this weekend.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43271578/source-jets-interviewing-former-titans-coach-mike-vrabel