The Jets are expected to part ways with coach Adam Gase after Sunday’s final against the Patriots, according to sources, beginning a search that everyone in the NFL believes is inevitable.
Among the candidates who are scheduled to be considered are Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, Titans Arthur offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator Rams Brandon Staley for college coaches like Matt from Iowa State Campbell, Jim Harbaugh from Michigan and Dan Mullen from Florida for all intermediaries.
Expect a long and thorough search.
Gase has a 9-22 record in two seasons, including two consecutive wins after a 0-13 start amid a series of injuries and other problems this season. New coach and general manager Joe Douglas – who is not going anywhere – will have the second choice. The decision to stay with Sam Darnold, 23, or select a QB in second place, will be a collaborative decision that will include the coach’s thoughts.
Gase probably would have been fired after last week’s game if the Jets had lost, giving them a boost in their search. Instead, the Jets managed a second consecutive turnaround – defeating the Browns, 23-16, a week after defeating the Rams, 23-20, in Los Angeles – which sealed the No. 1 choice for the Jaguars.
Bienemy, 51, has had several interviews with the head coach in each of the last cycles and has obtained a strong public endorsement from Chiefs’ coach Andy Reid, among others. Eberflus, 50, is widely respected for how tough and disciplined his teams play. Martindale, 57, had a strong interview last year for the Giants’ job that went to Joe Judge. Smith, 38, is expected to be one of the best candidates in this cycle and is likely to be at stake for all jobs. Staley, 38, is another rookie who excelled in his first year as the leader of the Rams defense.
The owner of the jets, Woody Johnson – still a US ambassador to the United Kingdom and not with the team – has long been intrigued by Harbaugh, 57, who has been exploring through intermediaries a possible return to the NFL. However, Harbaugh’s name is not considered in the background at this time, by sources.
Before hiring Gase two years ago, the Jets made a request to interview Campbell, 41, who declined. He remains a possible target for NFL teams, although it is unclear how much he is willing to accept such a move. Mullen, 48, has a strong history of developing defenders, including Alex Smith in Utah, Dak Prescott in Mississippi and Kyle Trask in Florida.