Bill Belichick or first job?

Coach Robert Saleh addressed the mounting problems after the New York Jets' 2-3 start on Monday, emphasizing that there is still plenty of time left in the season and “no one in the building is panicking.”

A day later, owner Woody Johnson apparently made it clear that he had a different perspective.

The Jets fired Saleh on Tuesday in an abrupt move for a franchise that was pushing for a Super Bowl title — or at least the franchise's first playoff berth in 14 years. But in Aaron Rodgers' much-anticipated return to action after his debut season was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon just four plays into his first game, New York showed little sign of progress. The offense scored as many points (93) as it did in the first five games of last season with Zach Wilson under center, with Rodgers and the bottom-ranked rushing attack both striking out.

With defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich taking over as interim coach, Gang Green will look to salvage the remainder of this season. But the move also puts the spotlight on 2025, when the team will make perhaps the most anticipated hire of this offseason cycle.

Barring a turnaround from Rodgers, who said this spring he was “hopeful” he can play for several more seasons, the Jets will likely remain focused on making the most of their current competitive window, even if it comes at a long-term cost goes outlook. However, this creates an interesting dynamic when looking for a new employee. While owner Woody Johnson would undoubtedly like to identify the next Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan with a top-notch playmaker to revamp the offense, such a move would almost certainly mean entrusting the franchise to a first-time head coach who hasn't spent anything in a long time in the assistant ranks. Meanwhile, most of the bigger names come from defense and would need to bring in a trusted figure to reorganize things with Rodgers and the rest of the offense.

Here are the Jets' top head coaching candidates following Saleh's firing:

Jets head coach candidates

Bill Belichick

Of course, the six-time Super Bowl winner will be at the forefront of any head coaching position. Since the Jets are the first team with a vacancy for their top job, they immediately become a source of speculation about a possible Belichick reunion. Strictly from a personnel perspective, it's easy to see why Belichick would be tempted to express his decades-long dislike of the franchise and give it another go, nearly 25 years after he said “I'm stepping down as HC of the NYJ.” had scribbled on a napkin. (Belichick also served one more time as the team's interim coach before Bill Parcells was officially hired in 1997.) And for a franchise that has openly been in win-now mode since Rodgers' arrival, he turned to the 72-year-old former architect the New England Patriots dynasty would be the ultimate “all-in” moment.

However, the big question is how Belichick would adapt to the Jets' ecosystem – or vice versa – given his previous experience with nearly uncontrolled levels of performance. And while Belichick and Rodgers have great respect for each other, could the two idiosyncratic leaders find a way to make a working relationship? And considering how the end of his Patriots tenure unfolded and the rampant offensive struggles that plagued the coach in the post-Tom Brady landscape, there could be several elements that make the Jets reconsider this move.

Ben Johnson

Arguably the hottest coaching candidate on the market, Johnson has been demanding in his approach and has retired in the last two cycles to return to his post with the Detroit Lions. With the Lions' offense still holding up despite some initial issues in the red zone, Johnson should once again be a regular part of the head coaching interview circuit. The big question: What does the 38-year-old need to make the jump and can the Jets provide that? This will be one of the biggest pressure cooker contracts still outstanding, and the baggage could keep Johnson from doing so. However, bringing a play-caller with Johnson's creativity on board has immediate appeal for the Jets, although he may need a former NFL head coach as a steady hand to shake things up in the locker room.

Bobby Slowik

Another offensive prodigy, Slowik, 37, rose to prominence last season after creating a high-powered offense for then-rookie quarterback CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans. It wouldn't be until his second year as offensive coordinator that he would make a significant career leap – but he's on the right track, and sooner rather than later. There are significant benefits to adding another skilled play-caller. But again, the question will remain as to whether this is the right place for a new coach as the focus is on getting the best out of him over the next year or two.

Joe Brady

Perhaps it's premature to consider the possibility of the Buffalo Bills' 35-year-old offensive coordinator calling the shots for the 40-year-old Rodgers and the rest of the Jets. Still, there's no denying that Brady has given the Josh Allen-led offense a significant boost since his appointment midway through last year. Under Brady, the Bills' offense has proven extremely adaptable, with the ability to unleash Allen's unique physical talents as a passer and runner while taking advantage of the ground game. Schematically, Brady's affinity for pre-snap moves could be something that needs to be clarified. Rodgers has warmed to the idea of using this tactic more often after resisting it for most of his career, but given the extent to which Brady uses it, it would likely take some more getting used to.

Mike Vrabel

Perhaps there is a middle ground for the Jets if prior head coaching experience is a priority. Vrabel was released by the Tennessee Titans in January after compiling a 54-45 record and leading the team to three playoff appearances from 2019-21. After failing to get another top job, he moved to the Cleveland Browns as a coach and personnel consultant. It stands to reason that a 49-year-old former head coach with an extensive track record would be a major draw for any franchise looking to get back on track. However, given Vrabel's defensive focus and the Titans' anachronistic, run-heavy approach under his rule, the fit for the Jets may not be perfect.

Brian Flores

The prospect of combining Flores' irritating scheme with the Jets' elite defensive staff should be enticing for any franchise. But any idea of hiring the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator goes far beyond X's and O's. Flores is still pursuing a racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and several of its teams, although little progress has been made since the lawsuit was filed in February 2022. His candidacy for a potential opening is undoubtedly complicated by this move, as well as recent comments from Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that appeared to criticize Flores for the tone the coach set during his time leading the franchise.

Frank Smith

If Gang Green wants to find a figure who will resonate in the locker room, it would be difficult to find a better candidate than Smith, who was voted the top offensive coordinator in an NFL Players Association poll released earlier this year. While Mike McDaniel is the Miami Dolphins' play-caller and offensive mastermind, Smith is praised for his acumen and communication skills. The big X-factor, as always, would be how he could coexist with Rodgers.

Aaron Glenn

It's probably unrealistic for a defensive coach with no prior experience leading a team to get the nod here, considering what's in store for this franchise. But Glenn, who was a first-round draft pick of the Jets and earned two Pro Bowl nods in eight years with the team, could help balance the culture after serving as Dan Campbell's defensive coordinator for the Lions. He's probably the biggest underdog on this list, but he's definitely worth considering.

On October 8, 2024 By John Fenwick

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Bill Belichick or first job?