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The New York Jets continued their early run of head-coaching interviews, with Mike Vrabel becoming the second person who spoke with the team.
New York confirmed the interview after The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt reported Vrabel would interview with Jets officials at their facility on Friday.
The Jets announced on Thursday that Ron Rivera completed an interview. He is the first known candidate to have met with the team for the job.
Vrabel had been working with the Cleveland Browns this season as a personnel consultant, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that his contract with the club expired.
The former Tennessee Titans head coach is expected to draw interest from multiple teams this offseason. The MMQB’s Albert Breer noted he Vrabel is considered the “front-runner” for the Las Vegas Raiders if Antonio Pierce is fired.
Given that Raiders controlling owner Mark Davis has said Tom Brady, who owns a five percent stake in the franchise, will have a “huge” impact on the organization going forward, Vrabel being the top choice if they make a change isn’t a surprise. They were teammates for eight seasons with the New England Patriots from 2001 to ’08.
Tony Pauline of SportsKeeda reported Vrabel “wants” the Patriots job, but all indications right now are that Jerod Mayo will be back for a second season in 2025.
The Jets are hiring a new head coach and general manager this offseason after Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas were fired during the season. They have a 4-12 record entering the final game of the 2024 season and have missed the playoffs in 14 consecutive seasons.
Vrabel had a 54-45 record with three playoff appearances in six seasons with the Titans from 2018 to ’23. He led them to two division titles and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game during the 2019 season.