Among the Jets' long list of coaching interview requests, one name stood out as a notable exclusion.
Coach Gang Green didn't include Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, perhaps the most high-profile player this coaching cycle, among his nine requests Monday, The Post's Brian Costello reports. Reported.
“According to sources, the Jets have not requested an interview because they believe Johnson is not a good fit for them,” Costello wrote.
Johnson, 38, commands a Lions offense that leads the league in points per game with 33.2 points per game and is being touted as the clear front-runner this season.
Detroit has ranked in the top five in scoring in each of his three seasons as the team's offensive coordinator.
Johnson stepped down from his head coaching position last offseason, but this season appears to be the perfect fit for him to lead the franchise for the first time.
According to reports, three teams, the Bears, Patriots, and Jaguars, have requested interviews with Johnson, and all three teams have decided to hire him at quarterback.
Jets' pitcher Johnson passes away; owner Woody Johnson pays tribute As outlined exclusively in The Post The team's goals and process for this search included a notable line about the candidate pool.
“We're going to have guys here that are going to make these guys proud and make the team proud on and off the field,” Johnson told Costello before Sunday's win over the Dolphins. “We only interview the people we hire. We don't just do it for fun.”
Even if Johnson isn't selected, the Jets' initial list is skewed toward offensive-minded coaches.
Six of Monday's requests included offensive coordinators or position coaches (Bills 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 also participated.
The Jets previously interviewed former Commanders and Panthers coach Ron Rivera and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel. He could be headed to New England with a quick hook from Jerod Mayo.
He will also meet with former coach Rex Ryan, who he believes is the best person for the job, and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich is also expected to receive a bid.
The Jets are also looking for a new general manager, with four interviews completed and a meeting scheduled with interim general manager Phil Savage on Monday, as well as six requests.
