NFL analyst spotlights who Jets will use to interview Rex Ryan and Ron Rivera without a general manager

Rex Ryan and Ron Rivera are both working in the media, but it's clear that both wish they were not. The New York Jets reportedly have reached out to interview Rivera and Ryan. However, with the team still without a general manager, the question is who will be assigned to conduct the interview.

On Tuesday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Mike Florio believed he knew the answer.

"It's the owner and whoever they've hired to come in and run the search ... but it's all Woody," Florio said (Timestamp: 1:59).

Jets owner Woody Johnson, of course, has had a hands-on impact on things this season. Between cutting ties with general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh and reportedly vetoing the potential addition of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, Johnson appears to have a direct influence on the next coach of the Jets, which could be decided before adding the general manager.

This would be a different order of handling how a team is usually put together. Generally speaking, the owner picks the general manager who picks the head coach who picks the rest of the coaching staff. As the owner, Johnson technically has the final say, but it also appears that he will have the first as well in this case.

Exploring why Woody Johnson could choose Ron Rivera or Rex Ryan

Woody Johnson at Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Jets - Source: Getty

Ron Rivera and Rex Ryan are the first two candidates the Jets reportedly have an interest in. While they may choose to expand the search further, they also could cut it short with either candidate.

Rivera's case is clear. As the former Super Bowl 50 coach of the Carolina Panthers, he knows more than most what it takes to get to the Big Game.

There's reason to believe Johnson has a strong interest in getting there, considering his choice to get quarterback Aaron Rodgers, pick up receiver Davante Adams and move on from Robert Saleh quickly.

Rex Ryan, on the other hand, has a history with the New York Jets. The former coach has spent most of the last decade in the media, but before that, he was with the last Jets playoff team.

Ryan helped the team get to consecutive AFC championship games in 2009 and 2010. After concluding his time with the Jets in 2014, he joined the Buffalo Bills, from whom he was fired in 2016 after posting an 8-8 record in 2015 and a 7-8 record in 2016. At this point, both records would be an improvement for the Jets (4-12).

Will Woody Johnson cut the coaching search short by hiring either Rex Ryan or Ron Rivera?

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.