The New York Jets have recently conducted interviews with several potential candidates for their head coach position, including Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, Josh McCown, the quarterbacks coach for the Vikings, and Jeff Hafley, the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. This brings the total number of coaching candidates considered by the Jets to 15, following 15 interviews also conducted for their general manager role.
Brian Flores, now 43, has spent the last two seasons overseeing the defense for the Vikings after serving as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. Before that, he had a three-year tenure as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, where he finished with a record of 24-25 and did not lead the team to the playoffs, ultimately resulting in his dismissal.
In a notable move, Flores filed a federal lawsuit on February 1, 2022, against the NFL and three teams, including the Dolphins. In his lawsuit, he alleged that there were discriminatory hiring practices for leadership roles within the league, a claim that drew substantial attention given his background as a Black head coach.
Flores stated last week that he is eager to continue pursuing head coaching opportunities but enjoys his current position with the Vikings. He emphasized that any decision to leave would need to be suitable for him and his family. He is open to interviews this offseason, with the Jets, along with the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars, all expected to take that step.
In discussing the interview process, Flores remarked that he looks for a positive atmosphere and connection when assessing potential coaching opportunities. He believes that these elements are crucial for fostering a winning environment within any team setting.
Alongside the trio of candidates, the Jets have also met with numerous other coaching prospects, which include Aaron Glenn, Vance Joseph, Mike Locksley, Matt Nagy, Ron Rivera, Darren Rizzi, Rex Ryan, Bobby Slowik, Arthur Smith, Steve Spagnuolo, Jeff Ulbrich, and Mike Vrabel, who has recently taken over as head coach in New England.
Flores, originally from New York, began his NFL journey in New England’s scouting department and eventually progressed to various coaching roles under Bill Belichick, including stints as the safeties and linebackers coach before his appointment in Miami.
Jeff Hafley, also hailing from New Jersey, is coming off his first year with the Packers, where he implemented a strong defensive strategy that secured a fifth-place overall ranking in defense. Hafley previously led Boston College as head coach, compiling a 22-26 record alongside three bowl appearances during his tenure.
Josh McCown, 45, completed his season coaching the Vikings’ quarterbacks, notably working with Sam Darnold, who he previously played alongside during his time with the Jets in 2018. McCown has a rich history in the NFL, having started 76 games throughout his career and amassing impressive passing statistics, including 17,731 yards and 98 touchdowns across 102 games.
He played a significant mentoring role for Darnold during his rookie year with the Jets before reuniting with him this past season in Minnesota, where he supported Darnold in achieving career-best numbers, including 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdown throws.
