The New York Jets kicked off the 2024 season with their first coaching change, parting ways with Robert Saleh on Tuesday. Over his three-plus years with the team, Saleh recorded a 20-36 record and started the current season at 2-3. His latest defeat was against Sam Darnold, the former No. 3 overall pick of the Jets, whose Minnesota Vikings are now 5-0.
The Jets had high hopes for this season, especially with Aaron Rodgers back as quarterback. However, their offense has struggled, ranking among the league’s bottom in several categories: sixth-worst in total yards per game (286.6), last in rushing offense (80.4 yards per game), and eighth-worst in scoring (18.6 points per game).
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will step in as interim coach, leading to speculation about potential coaching candidates for 2025. Let’s explore the possibilities.
5. Jeff Ulbrich, Jets DC
We can’t just write off Ulbrich before he’s had a chance to lead this team. Maybe he could accomplish what Antonio Pierce did last season with the Las Vegas Raiders After all, Ulbrich is already considered by some to be an underrated head coaching candidate.
The 47-year-old has been the Jets’ defensive coordinator since 2021 and previously spent six seasons as a linebackers coach for the Atlanta Falcons, where he also had a stint as interim defensive coordinator. Recently, Ulbrich served as the head coach for the National team at the Senior Bowl.
“One reason the Jets play with such intensity is because of him,” said Payton Wilson, an NC State linebacker and future Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick, regarding Ulbrich, as reported on the Jets’ official website. “The passion and energy he brings make you want to give everything for him. I’ve only known him for two days, and I already feel that way.”
4. Bobby Slowik, Texans OC
The first-year offensive coordinator made a significant impact in the NFL during the 2023 season, helping C.J. Stroud achieve one of the best rookie quarterback performances in history and enabling Nico Collins to emerge as one of the top wide receivers in the league. Under Slowik’s guidance, the Texans transformed from the worst to the best in the AFC South, with their offense ranking 12th overall. This year, Houston’s offense has climbed to sixth place.
At 37, Slowik is considered one of the promising young offensive strategists, having worked under both Mike Shanahan and Kyle Shanahan. He previously held the position of offensive passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers before joining DeMeco Ryans in Houston.
3. Ben Johnson, Lions OC
Speaking of offensive minds, Johnson may be the best on the market. It looked like he was going to land a head coaching job this past offseason, but Johnson ultimately returned to Detroit. Under Johnson’s watch, the Lions offense finished top five in both points per game and yards per game in each of the last two seasons. In 2023, Detroit tied a franchise record with 12 wins and won the NFC North for the very first time.
Johnson, who turned 38 this offseason, has been with the Lions organization since 2019. As far as coaches who have never been lead men before, Johnson may be No. 1 on teams’ list.
2. Mike Vrabel, Browns assistant
The 2021 NFL Coach of the Year found himself on the outside looking in this offseason after being fired by the Tennessee Titans following a second straight losing season. Vrabel went 54-45 during his six seasons as Tennessee’s lead man, won the AFC South twice and made the AFC Championship game in his second season with the Titans.
Vrabel joined the Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant this offseason, but many view him as a favorite to land a head coaching gig this upcoming offseason.
1. Bill Belichick
Could you imagine Belichick being hired as coach of the Jets for a third time? Hopefully this tenure lasts longer than just one day. It doesn’t seem like Belichick is done coaching just yet, and New York could be interested in his services. Would he and Rodgers be a good fit? That’s TBD.
The 72-year-old Belichick has won six Super Bowl rings as head coach, two more than any other in NFL history, and is 14 wins away from tying Don Shula for the most overall wins ever.
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