The New York Jets have expanded their search for a new head coach by interviewing three additional candidates: Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator from the Minnesota Vikings; Josh McCown, the Vikings’ quarterbacks coach; and Jeff Hafley, the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. This brings the total number of coaching candidates the Jets have met with to 15. Alongside their efforts to find a new head coach, the team has also conducted 15 interviews for their general manager position.
Brian Flores, 43, has led Minnesota’s defense for the past two seasons, following a role as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. Before that, he spent three years as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, where he accumulated a record of 24-25 without making it to the playoffs before his dismissal.
In February 2022, Flores filed a federal lawsuit against the NFL and several teams, including the Dolphins, Giants, and Broncos, alleging racist hiring practices regarding leadership roles in the league. Recently, Flores expressed his intentions to pursue another head coach position but has stated his contentment with his current role with the Vikings, noting that any move would need to be the right fit for him and his family. Other franchises, such as the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars, are also likely to interview Flores for their head coach openings.
Flores remarked on the importance of the atmosphere during interviews, comparing it to other industries. He emphasized finding a conducive environment that fosters success, highlighting the necessity of chemistry among all involved parties. The Jets have also met with a variety of other candidates, including Aaron Glenn, Vance Joseph, Mike Locksley, and several others. Notably, Mike Vrabel has been hired by the New England Patriots in a coaching capacity since the Jets began their interviews.
In addition to Flores, Jeff Hafley has emerged as a candidate for the Jets’ head coach position. Hafley, who hails from New Jersey, recently completed his first season with the Packers, overseeing a defense that performed exceptionally well, ranking fifth overall. Before joining Green Bay, he was the head coach at Boston College, where he accumulated a 22-26 record over four years while leading the team to three bowl appearances.
Hafley’s coaching journey includes experience as Ohio State’s co-defensive coordinator and stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, as well as at the collegiate level with various institutions.
Josh McCown, aged 45, has spent this past season working with the Vikings’ quarterbacks, including Sam Darnold, whom he previously played alongside during their time with the Jets. McCown enjoyed a successful playing career, starting 76 games across 16 NFL seasons and recording 17,731 passing yards with 98 touchdowns and 82 interceptions. After leading the Jets in 2017, he primarily took on a mentorship role for Darnold during his rookie year. The two reunited in Minnesota, where McCown’s guidance contributed to Darnold achieving his best season statistically, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, along with a completion rate of 66.2%.
