The New York Jets are navigating a tumultuous season, sitting at 3-9 and facing a complete overhaul in leadership.
After a rocky 2-3 start, head coach Robert Saleh was dismissed, leaving Jeff Ulbrich to serve as the interim head coach. However, with Aaron Rodgers as the team’s centerpiece, the Jets are actively searching for a permanent head coach to lead them into the 2025 NFL season.
Saleh’s departure wasn’t the only shake-up. General manager Joe Douglas was also relieved of his duties in mid-November, signaling a franchise-wide reset. With the Jets trailing the Buffalo Bills by seven games in the AFC East, the organization is at a crossroads, and decisive action is needed to restore competitiveness.
Speculation is mounting as a slew of potential candidates have been linked to the head coaching vacancy. While Ulbrich will finish the season, he is not expected to remain in the role beyond the offseason. Among the names circulating, one stands out: former Super Bowl champion Mike Vrabel.
Vrabel, who currently serves as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, has emerged as a leading contender for the Jets’ head coaching position. According to reports from Jake Asman on his X account (formerly Twitter), Vrabel has expressed interest in the role but with a key condition—he wants input on the general manager selection.
The former head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023, Vrabel brings a wealth of experience to the table. His tenure with the Titans included a standout 2021 season, where he was named NFL Coach of the Year after guiding the team to the AFC Championship Game during the 2019-2020 season.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
For a Jets franchise eager to return to relevance, Vrabel’s track record of success is appealing. His ability to cultivate a winning culture, coupled with his defensive expertise, could be exactly what the team needs to complement Rodgers’ offensive leadership.
As a player, Vrabel’s pedigree is equally impressive. He won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, playing a critical role alongside Tom Brady and under the tutelage of Bill Belichick. Those experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy and contributed to his reputation as a leader who understands what it takes to win at the highest level.
Should Vrabel take the reins in New York, his first task would be revitalizing a roster that has struggled to meet expectations. Rodgers’ return from injury in 2025 will be a pivotal moment, and pairing him with a coach of Vrabel’s caliber could reignite the team’s playoff aspirations.
The Jets’ front office is reportedly keen on finalizing their head coach and general manager hires swiftly, aiming to provide stability heading into the offseason. With the franchise in flux, securing a proven leader like Vrabel would signal a commitment to building a competitive team around Rodgers.
As the search continues, Jets fans are watching closely, hopeful that the next head coach can bring stability and success to a franchise desperate for a turnaround. With Vrabel’s name now firmly in the mix, the coming weeks could define the future of the Jets and their quest to reclaim relevance in the AFC East.
