During Robert Saleh’s final offseason as the Jets‘ head coach, he secretly tried to reduce Nathaniel Hackett‘s influence by bringing in a veteran play-caller. However, this effort fell through since the Jets didn’t have an offensive coordinator position to offer, largely due to Aaron Rodgers’ involvement. This created tension between Rodgers and Jets owner Woody Johnson.
Hackett is soon expected to leave as the Jets are in search of a new coaching staff. Arthur Smith, who was a candidate when Saleh sought to add a shadow OC last offseason, is reportedly back on the Jets’ radar, this time as a potential head coach. While Smith initially declined the Jets’ offer for 2024 due to the Steelers having a legitimate OC position, he is now expected to be a serious candidate for an interview. Smith’s prospects for a top job had been debated during the season, but ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes that the former Falcons head coach is once again gaining interest.
At 42, Smith had a 7-10 record in each of his three seasons with the Falcons, working with different quarterbacks—Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, and Desmond Ridder. Given that Mariota is a backup and Ridder had an inconsistent offseason, Smith’s recent seasons may be viewed more favorably than initially thought. The Steelers have also managed to get decent play from Russell Wilson, and despite a three-game losing streak, Smith’s work as an offensive coordinator continues to attract interest.
Meanwhile, former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum had tried to arrange a meeting between Jets owner Woody Johnson and Bill Belichick, though that effort ultimately fell through. Mike Vrabel is another top choice for the Jets’ head coaching role, but the Raiders are also interested, and the Patriots job could appeal to Vrabel. However, the job is not guaranteed, and Johnson’s tumultuous 2024 could complicate hiring a top candidate, with reports suggesting the Jets might need to overpay to secure one.
Throughout the offseason, Johnson’s involvement in personnel decisions, including his teenage sons’ presence around players, has caused some stir. Despite this, one potential candidate, Rex Ryan, has expressed interest in returning to the Jets. Known for his outspoken nature, Ryan has recently interviewed for defensive coordinator positions with the Broncos and Cowboys and worked with Johnson for six years. Though Ryan hasn’t coached since being fired by the Bills in 2016, many believe he has a legitimate shot at returning to a high-profile role with the Jets. Ryan is expected to interview for the position.
Ryan’s potential return marks a significant development, as the Jets have not previously sought him out for a coaching role. Ryan led the Jets to consecutive AFC Championship Games, with notable playoff victories over the Colts and Patriots in 2010. A potential Ryan comeback would see him inherit a talented defense that has regressed this season, especially following Saleh’s mid-October firing. The Jets would still need to address the quarterback situation, with Rodgers expected to depart soon. As the Jets’ head coach search intensifies, Smith and Ryan are expected to be key figures in the process.
