FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have officially interviewed Mike Vrabel, the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, concerning their vacant head coaching position. This interview took place on Friday, marking Vrabel as the second known candidate to engage with the Jets in this hiring cycle, following conversations with ex-Washington and Carolina head coach Ron Rivera the previous day.
Vrabel is considered a desirable candidate, and New York seized the opportunity to meet with him early in the selection process. Teams like New Orleans and Chicago, who also dismissed their coaches during the season, are expected to join the Jets in their search for new leadership. At 49 years old, Vrabel has recently worked as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns; however, following the expiry of his contract earlier this week, he is now free to explore coaching opportunities.
During his six seasons as head coach of the Titans, Vrabel led the team to a record of 56 wins and 48 losses, including a 2-3 postseason record. Although he achieved considerable success, including leading the Titans to three playoff appearances, he was let go by Tennessee after a disappointing 6-11 finish last season.
The Jets parted ways with coach Robert Saleh on October 8 when the team held a 2-3 record, subsequently appointing defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim coach. Ulbrich has managed the team to a 2-9 record as they head into their season finale against Miami this coming Sunday. He expressed his anticipation for an opportunity to interview for the full-time head coach role next week while emphasizing the importance of finishing the season strong for the players.
Jamien Sherwood, a linebacker for the Jets and voted by his teammates as the team’s MVP, endorsed Ulbrich as a strong candidate for the permanent position. He acknowledged the challenges Ulbrich faced stepping in mid-season, stating, “I feel like he was put in a compromising position.” Sherwood underscored the need for the players to elevate their performance in support of Ulbrich.
Following the termination of general manager Joe Douglas six weeks after Saleh’s dismissal, the Jets have also initiated their search for a new GM. Notable candidates interviewed for the role include Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, former Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, former Titans GM Jon Robinson, and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. Riddick, who met with the team on Thursday, has a rich background in NFL analysis and management, having previously interviewed for GM positions with Detroit and Houston.
To aid in their dual searches for both a head coach and GM, New York owner Woody Johnson has enlisted the help of The 33rd Team, a football analytics and consulting organization co-founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum. Both Tannenbaum and former Dolphins and Vikings GM Rick Spielman are playing crucial roles in identifying and vetting candidates and coordinating interviews.
Vrabel’s football resume is extensive; after spending 14 seasons in the NFL—playing for Pittsburgh, New England, and Kansas City—he recorded impressive stats with 57 career sacks, 11 interceptions, and 19 forced fumbles. Recognized as an All-Pro during the 2007 season, he was integral to New England’s Super Bowl victories. Transitioning to coaching, Vrabel spent three years as an assistant at Ohio State before joining the Texans’ coaching staff, culminating in his promotion to head coach of the Titans.
Under Vrabel’s leadership, the Titans achieved significant milestones, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2019. Despite outstanding performances early in his tenure, the team fell short of postseason appearances in the following two years, leading to his departure after the 2023 season.
In contrast, Ron Rivera experienced a mixed tenure, finishing with a 26-40-1 record over four seasons with the Washington Commanders, where he managed to secure a playoff spot in his first season. Known for guiding multiple losing record teams to the playoffs, Rivera has a career coaching record of 105-108-2, including a Super Bowl appearance during his time leading the Carolina Panthers.
Having started as an assistant coach for the Chargers and Bears, Rivera also had a notable playing career as a linebacker, contributing to the Chicago Bears’ successful 1985 Super Bowl-winning season. His reputation as “Riverboat Ron” stems from his bold decision-making style on the field, a characteristic that has defined his coaching career thus far.
