Jets Interview Mike Vrabel, Ron Rivera for Head Coach Role \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The New York Jets have interviewed former Titans coach Mike Vrabel and ex-Commanders coach Ron Rivera for their vacant head coaching position. Both bring extensive experience, including playoff success and Super Bowl appearances. The Jets are conducting a broad search for a new head coach and general manager, assisted by a consulting group.
Jets Begin Head Coach Search with Vrabel and Rivera Quick Looks
- Mike Vrabel Interviewed: The former Titans coach, with a 56-48 career record, is a top candidate.
- Ron Rivera Considered: The ex-Commanders and Panthers coach brings playoff experience and a 105-108-2 record.
- Jets Transition: After firing Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas, New York is revamping leadership.
- Broad Search: Interviews include NFL veterans and analysts for both coaching and GM positions.
- Consulting Support: The Jets enlisted experts from The 33rd Team to assist with candidate evaluations.
Deep Look
The New York Jets are at a crossroads, conducting a wide-ranging search for their next head coach and general manager. On Friday, the Jets interviewed former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, following their meeting with ex-Washington and Carolina head coach Ron Rivera the day before. These veteran candidates bring proven leadership, playoff experience, and the potential to stabilize a franchise seeking to rebuild after a tumultuous season.
Mike Vrabel: A Proven Leader with a Championship Pedigree
Mike Vrabel, 49, stands out as one of the most intriguing coaching candidates in this hiring cycle. With six years of head coaching experience with the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel compiled a 56-48 record, including three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021. His tenure with the Titans was highlighted by a trip to the 2019 AFC Championship Game, where his team fell to eventual Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Known for his ability to develop players and foster a competitive culture, Vrabel earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2021 after leading Tennessee to a 12-5 record and the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Despite his success, the Titans faltered over the past two seasons, posting a combined 13-21 record. Vrabel was dismissed following a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2023.
Vrabel’s coaching style reflects his experience as a player. A standout linebacker, he spent 14 seasons in the NFL, including eight with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick, where he won three Super Bowl championships. His playing career also included stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs.
After retiring as a player, Vrabel transitioned to coaching, beginning as an assistant at his alma mater, Ohio State. He then joined the Houston Texans, serving as linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator before taking the Titans’ head coaching role in 2018.
In addition to his NFL experience, Vrabel served as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns this season, where his contract expired earlier this week, freeing him to pursue head coaching opportunities. His ability to develop strong defensive units, manage player development, and navigate high-pressure situations makes him an ideal candidate for the Jets.
Ron Rivera: A Veteran with Playoff Success
The Jets also interviewed Ron Rivera, 63, a seasoned coach with extensive experience leading teams to the postseason. Rivera’s 12-year head coaching career includes stints with the Carolina Panthers (2011–2019) and Washington Commanders (2020–2023). Known for his steady demeanor and defensive expertise, Rivera has a career record of 105-108-2, including 3-5 in the playoffs.
Rivera is best known for his tenure in Carolina, where he led the Panthers to four playoff appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl 50 during the 2015 season. That year, the Panthers posted a 15-1 regular-season record before falling to the Denver Broncos in the championship game. Rivera’s teams were built around stout defenses and strong leadership, earning him the nickname “Riverboat Ron” for his aggressive, high-risk decisions on the field.
In Washington, Rivera guided the Commanders to the playoffs in 2020 despite a 7-9 record, becoming the only coach in NFL history to lead multiple teams with losing records to the postseason. However, his tenure ended after a disappointing 4-13 campaign in 2023.
Rivera’s playing career as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears adds to his credibility. He was a member of the legendary 1985 Bears team that won Super Bowl XX, led by one of the NFL’s greatest defenses. His understanding of team dynamics, combined with his playoff experience, makes him a valuable option for the Jets.
Jets’ Immediate Challenges
The Jets have faced significant turmoil this season, leading to the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh in October after a 2-3 start. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took over as interim head coach but has managed only a 2-9 record heading into the team’s final game of the season.
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood, named the team’s MVP by his teammates, expressed strong support for Ulbrich, citing the challenging circumstances under which he assumed the role. “I feel like Brick was put in a compromising position,” Sherwood said. “Things would look different if he had it from the start.”
Despite this endorsement, the Jets are expected to pursue a more experienced candidate, making the interviews with Vrabel and Rivera particularly significant.
General Manager Search Adds Complexity
The Jets are also searching for a new general manager following the firing of Joe Douglas six weeks after Saleh’s departure. Candidates interviewed include former Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, former Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson, Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick.
Riddick, a former NFL safety and widely respected analyst, is the latest candidate to meet with the Jets. His media experience and ability to assess talent make him a compelling option for a team looking to rebuild its roster and identity.
To streamline the process, Jets owner Woody Johnson enlisted The 33rd Team, a consulting group led by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum. The group is helping to vet candidates and coordinate interviews, with the goal of aligning the head coach and general manager hires.
The Broader NFL Coaching Landscape
The Jets are not alone in their search for new leadership. Teams like the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints are also in the market for head coaches, intensifying competition for top candidates like Vrabel and Rivera.
Vrabel’s reputation as a player’s coach and his recent success with Tennessee make him one of the most sought-after names in this hiring cycle. Similarly, Rivera’s extensive experience and ability to build strong defenses ensure his place on multiple teams’ shortlists.
What’s Next for the Jets?
The Jets’ dual search for a head coach and general manager represents a pivotal moment for the franchise. With a history of instability and missed opportunities, the team is under pressure to make strategic hires that can change its trajectory.
By interviewing experienced leaders like Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera, the Jets are signaling their intent to prioritize proven coaching talent. As they evaluate these candidates alongside GM options, the organization aims to create a cohesive leadership structure capable of competing in the highly competitive AFC East.
The coming weeks will be critical as the Jets seek to turn the page on a disappointing season and chart a path toward sustained success.
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