Jets Rumors: Is Mike McCarthy The Favorite For New York Coaching Job?

None of the eight head coaching vacancies in the NFL have been filled yet, but according to a report from ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the New York Jets might have a favorite for the job. Citing a league source, Cimini said Jets CEO Christopher Johnson is “enamored” with former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

The Packers let go of McCarthy after a home loss to the Arizona Cardinals in December. The Packers generally do not fire coaches mid-season, and indeed, he was only the second head coach with a Super Bowl win in NFL history to be fired mid-season, according to ESPN. There were criticisms of his offensive play-calling and rumors that he feuded with quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he exited Green Bay.

Still, he had a 125-77-2 record with the Packers and won a title in 2010. He would be the most accomplished coach the Jets have hired since they brought in Bill Parcells in 1997. Cimini’s report also cited the Jets’ desire to have a coach who can work with young quarterback Sam Darnold; McCarthy was at the helm in Green Bay when Aaron Rodgers went from Brett Favre’s backup to two-time league MVP.

Recent betting odds had McCarthy as one of the favorites to be the new Jets coach.

Other candidates the Jets have interviewed include Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy and former Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. They also reportedly talked to Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Kris Richard over the weekend, following the Cowboys’ 24-22 playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

According to Cimini’s report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Todd Monken will get an interview with the Jets on Monday or Tuesday.