The New York Jets are interviewing former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel for their vacant head coaching position at their Florian Park facility on Friday.
Across six seasons in Tennessee, the former NFL player turned coach amassed a 54-45 record before being unceremoniously let go by the franchise. Vrabel earned a reputation as a coach who could maximize the potential in his players, culminating in a 2021 NFL coach of the year award for his efforts.
The 49 year old’s teams made the playoffs three times, and even went as far as the AFC title game back in 2019, despite generally featuring underwhelming rosters on paper. Vrabel’s no-nonsense approach could be just what the Jets need to turn around their franchise which hasn’t been to the postseason since 2010.
The 4-12 club will wrap up their 2024 NFL campaign against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, capping another disappointing year for Jets fans who will once again be picking higher in the NFL Draft than they hoped to be. What began as a season full of high expectations (the Jets were one of the most heavily bet on Super Bowl teams across several sports books leading up to Week 1) has resulted in more of the same.
While Vrabel is likely to have his choice of opportunities this offseason, New York is keeping their options open as well after interviewing former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera recently as well. Current interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who replaced Robert Saleh on October 8th, is also expected to be granted an interview for the position as well.
However the team’s 2-9 record down the stretch under his guidance likely signals a full culture reset as the direction the front office will head in more than running it back with their current in house options. The club will also be looking to replace former General Manager Joe Douglas this offseason as well after relieving him of his duties 6 weeks after Saleh was let go.
New York has recently interviewed Jim Nagy, Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson, and Louis Riddick for the position over the last few weeks. Both interview processes are being headed by The 33rd Team, which is a consulting agency founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum.
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