FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have recently conducted an interview with Ron Rivera, the former head coach of both the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers. This marks the Jets’ first known meeting with a head coaching prospect as they look to fill their vacancy.

In addition, the Jets have spoken with Louis Riddick, an ESPN analyst and former safety in the NFL, regarding their general manager position. Riddick boasts prior experience in the front offices of both Washington and Philadelphia, making him the fourth candidate for the GM role to engage with the Jets.

Rivera’s tenure with Washington saw him compile a record of 26 wins, 40 losses, and 1 tie over four seasons. He managed to steer the team into the playoffs during his inaugural year in 2020 but was dismissed in January after a disappointing season that concluded with a 4-13 record.

At 62 years old, Rivera holds a unique place in NFL history, being the only coach to have led teams with losing records into the postseason on multiple occasions. He achieved this feat with Carolina (a record of 7-8-1) in 2014 and Washington (7-9) in 2020. His time with the Panthers from 2011 to 2019 was marked by four playoff appearances, with the pinnacle being a Super Bowl run in 2015 when they finished the regular season with a remarkable 15-1 record and ultimately fell to the Denver Broncos in the championship game.

Known for his bold decision-making style, Rivera earned the nickname “Riverboat Ron.” Throughout his coaching career, he has amassed a record of 105 wins, 108 losses, and 2 ties, with a playoff record of 3-5. Rivera also had a notable nine-year playing career as a linebacker, particularly recognized for his contribution to the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl-winning team in 1985, during which he was part of the formidable “46” defense under head coach Mike Ditka.

Before ascending to a head coach role, Rivera served as an assistant for teams like the Chargers and Bears. The Jets are currently in a transitional phase after firing coach Robert Saleh on October 7 and have experienced a challenging run of 2-9 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. They are also expected to interview former Jets coach Rex Ryan in their search for a new head coach.

The organization’s shake-up included the dismissal of GM Joe Douglas in November, with the Jets actively exploring candidates for the general manager position. In addition to Riddick, they have interviewed several others, including Jim Nagy, the executive director of the Senior Bowl; Thomas Dimitroff, previously the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons; and Jon Robinson, the former GM of the Tennessee Titans.

Riddick, who has been with ESPN since 2013, offers insight as both an NFL and college football analyst. He has previously pursued GM positions with the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans during the 2020 offseason. A ninth-round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 1991, Riddick played six NFL seasons, during which he recorded 155 tackles and two sacks with the Falcons, Browns, and Raiders.