The New York Jets are beginning to interview applicants for their vacant head coaching spot, replacing Robert Saleh, who was fired in October. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took over as interim head coach after Saleh was fired.
The team is reportedly set to interview two candidates in the coming weeks, including former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera (Rivera coached the Panthers from 2011-2019, and spent four years with Washington before being fired in 2023.) Rivera was a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year (2013, 2015) after leading the Panthers to 12-4 and 15-1 finishes. He led his teams to the playoffs five times in 13 seasons across the two franchises, and in 2015, he led Carolina to Super Bowl 50 (where they were defeated by the Denver Broncos).
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Rivera is scheduled to interview with the Jets this week: “The #Jets are scheduled to interview Ron Rivera for their head coaching job this week, per sources. In 13 seasons with Carolina and Washington, Rivera made the playoffs five times, including an appearance in Super Bowl 50. The first of many HC interviews to come in NYJ’s search.”
In addition, former Jets coach Rex Ryan said Monday on ESPN New York that he will be interviewing for head coaching gig, and that he expects to speak with the team abut the spot after the regular season is over. Ryan coached the Jets from 2009-2014 and spent two seasons coaching the Buffalo Bills. He led the Jets to two playoff appearances — the last time that the Jets made the playoffs. Ryan has not coached since being fired from the Bills in 2016, instead joining ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown as an analyst in 2017.
The Jets are currently 4-12 and will play their final game of the year next weekend against the Miami Dolphins.
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