The New York Jets will be looking for a new leader after the firing of Rex Ryan. Ryan was the head coach for six seasons amassing a record of 46-50. General Manager John Idzik was also fired following the season. The inability to find the next franchise quarterback obviously became the downfall of both men. The Jets will now need to find their next head coach this offseason. Here is the list of potential head coaching candidates the Jets a rumored to be interested in.
1. Todd Bowles – Arizona Cardinals Defensive Coordinator
The Jets interviewed Bowles yesterday in an interview lead by the new brain trust consisting of Woody Johnson and Charlie Casserly. Todd Bowles ran the 3-4 defense in Arizona using mostly zone blitzing schemes. Bowles began his coaching career as a secondary coach so he will likely be the right man for turning around that ugly Jet secondary. His candidacy became a bit of a surprise to me because the Jet defense certainly wasn’t the problem this year. Rex Ryan ran a great defense during his time with New York. I would be shocked if the Jets hired another defensive minded coach.
2. Frank Reich – San Diego Chargers Offensive Coordinator
Reich was also interviewed yesterday by the team. The former Bills quarterback spent most of his time as Jim Kelly’s backup in Buffalo. Reich is most famously known for the epic comeback over the Houston Oilers in the 1993 Wildcard Playoff game. Frank is considered an up and coming coach but may not be ready for this responsibility quite yet. The Chargers offense took a step back this season under Reich. After Ken Wisenhunt bolted for the Titans, Reich was promoted to the teams offensive coordinator. This would be a stunning hire personally speaking needing more time as an offensive coordinator, but you never know its the Jets were talking about.
3. Doug Marrone – Former Buffalo BIlls Head Coach
Marrone opted out of his contract with Buffalo after a change in ownership. After a disagreement over the Sammy Watkins trade he felt it was best to go in a different direction. Marrone has enjoyed mediocre success as a head coach but never had the luxury of a franchise quarterback. The Bills went 7-9 under Doug Marrone this season. The Jets would be a interesting landing spot being Marrone is a New York man at heart. Syracuse University holds a special place for Doug as he graduated and coached there. Marrone could be a safe hire for the Gang Green but is not really considered a home run hit.
4. Dan Quinn – Seattle Seahawks Defensive Coordinator
Hiring Quinn would be a similar to a Todd Bowles hire as it makes little sense for the team. Quinn runs the 4-3 defense which questions how he would fit with the Jets. The monsters up front Mohammed Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Damon Harrison would likely not be happy with changing their roles. After the failures Gus Bradley has endured in Jacksonville it is safe to say Quinn hasn’t proved a lot taking over an already great Seahawk defense.
5. Gary Kubiak – Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
The Jets have been reportedly interested in Kubiak’s services. When speaking on Kubiak’s behalf I am not so sure he feels the same way about joining the Jets. After concerning health factors forced him to leave the Texans sideline for a chunk of the season Gary has found a new home in Baltimore. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has enjoyed having Kubiak on the sidelines and will definitely be focused on the postseason before considering other job offers. I expect Kubiak to stay with the Ravens for another season even if he receives other job offers.
In true Jet fashion the candidates the team is interested in don’t entirely make to much sense for one reason or another. In my opinion I feel the Shanahan’s or Darrell Bevel would be great men to lead the Gang Green. Mike and Kyle Shanahan have expressed interest in coaching together again like they once did for Washington. Mike Shanahan is known as the creator of the zone running scheme creating less of a quarterback burden. Bevell is another interesting guy who for some reason gets over looked. Bevell is an offensive genies similar to Bruce Arians of Arizona. Russell Wilson has endured great success and even took a 41 year old Brett Farve to an NFC title game with the Vikings. No matter who becomes the head coach the team will need to find a new quarterback or it will be another losing season for miserable Jet fans.
