Jets coaching rumors: Mike Vrabel willing to take HC job, but there's a catch

Following the dismissal of coach Robert Saleh, the New York Jets handed over the reins to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to get through the season and also likely test whether he could be a viable candidate to take over permanently. However, their 1-6 six record under Ulbrich suggests he might not get the job.

The franchise will now pivot to exploring their options outside their current coaching staff. One of the names they have been linked to is former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel. He has been out of job since the end of the 2023 season and will be high on the list of teams eyeing a new coach.

There have been suggestions that Vrabel would turn down the Jets due to his history with the New England Patriots and the franchise's seemingly constant state of volatility. However, ESPN insider Rich Cimini dismissed these rumors as bogus, saying on the 'Flight Deck' podcast:

"Many people assume that Vrabel wouldn't even consider the Jets, because what's he going to do? He's going to call up one of his mentors, Bill Belichick, and ask him his opinion of the Jets.

"And we know what Belichick's going to say, he's going to trash the Jets and say, 'Don't take that job if it's offered.' But I've talked to people who know Vrabel, and he has told friends that he would consider the Jets as a possibility."

However, there's one caveat. Cimini said that Vrabel would only consider the Jets "as long as he likes the general manager that they pick."

Last month, the franchise parted ways with Joe Douglas and gave the job to senior personnel manager Phil Savage in an interim capacity. Savage will likely not get the job on a full-time basis.

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Mike Vrabel to Jets: New HC might need to find a QB

If the Jets hire Mike Vrabel and a general manager he likes, their first order of business could be the draft, where might have to find a long-term solution to the quarterback conundrum.

According to Rich Cimini, owner Woody Johnson has made up his mind about moving on from Aaron Rodgers at the end of the season. Johnson seemingly made the decision a while back.

Following Douglas' dismissal, reports emerged that Johnson pushed for Rodgers to be benched following the team's Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. However, the then-general manager and coaching staff staved off his demand, but the reprieve will seemingly only last until the end of the year.

It remains to be seen whether Vrabel is intrigued by the prospect of reviving the Jets with potentially a rookie quarterback or a journeyman veteran.