Why Jets handed on requesting interview with Lions’ Ben Johnson
Among the many prolonged listing of Jets teaching interview requests, one identify stood out as a notable exclusion.
Gang Inexperienced didn’t embrace arguably the most well liked candidate of this teaching cycle in Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson amongst their 9 requests Monday, The Put up’s Brian Costello reported.
“The Jets don’t really feel that Johnson could be a match for them so they aren’t requesting an interview, in line with sources,” Costello wrote.
Johnson, 38, has been hyped as arguably the highest candidate of this cycle after operating a Lions offense that led the league with 33.2 factors per recreation.
Detroit has ranked high 5 in scoring in all three of his seasons because the crew’s offensive coordinator.
Johnson handed on changing into a head coach final offseason, however the setting appears ripe this cycle for him to guide a franchise for the primary time.
The Bears, Patriots and Jaguars have all requested an interview with Johnson, in line with experiences, with all three groups settled at quarterback.
The Jets’ passing on Johnson comes after proprietor Woody Johnson completely outlined to The Put up the crew’s aim and course of throughout this search, which included a notable line about their candidate pool.
“We’re going to get somebody in right here that’s going to make them proud, make them happy with the crew on the sphere and off the sphere,” Johnson instructed Costello earlier than Sunday’s win over the Dolphins. “We’re solely interviewing individuals we might rent. We’re not simply doing it for enjoyable.”
Even with Johnson not making the lower, the Jets’ preliminary listing skews extra towards offensive-minded coaches.
Six of Monday’s requests included offensive coordinators or place coaches (Payments coordinator Joe Brady, 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese, Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, Chiefs coordinator Matt Nagy, Texans coordinator Bobby Slowik and Steelers coordinator Arthur Smith).
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph additionally made the lower.
The Jets beforehand interviewed former Commanders and Panthers coach Ron Rivera and ex-Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who might be headed to New England after the fast hook on Jerod Mayo.
They’re additionally set to interview former coach Rex Ryan, who believes he’s one of the best man for the job, and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich can also be anticipated to obtain a bid.
The Jets are additionally trying to find a brand new common supervisor and made six requests Monday, along with 4 accomplished interviews and an anticipated session with interim common supervisor Phil Savage.
