NFL insider stops short of linking top offensive coordinator with Jets HC job due to $5,500,000-a-year deal

The New York Jets are desperate to right the ship after another turbulent season. However, a hefty price tag has thrown a wrench into the team’s head coaching search.

After revitalizing Washington Commanders' offense and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Kliff Kingsbury’s stock has surged. Under his guidance, the Commanders boast a top-five offense, a playoff berth and a legitimate Rookie of the Year contender in Daniels, who has 31 touchdowns and a completion rate nearing 70%.

However, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler believes Kingsbury might not make a beeline for the Jets.

Kingsbury's $5.5 million annual payday from his Arizona Cardinals tenure still looms large, making him one of the highest-paid free agents. Thus, given his current situation, he can wait for the perfect opportunity.

"We've heard the buzzword 'selective' with [Woody] Johnson's approach to the cycle," Fowler said, via ESPN. "Kingsbury will also be selective, I'm told. He's still getting paid head coach money from Arizona and gets to coach Daniels on a Washington team that should be even better next season. I don't think he's ironing shirts for job interviews just yet."

Interestingly, Kingsbury has a history with the Jets. In 2019, the franchise approached him before he ultimately accepted the Arizona Cardinals head coaching job. Thus, the New York Jets, whose coaching saga began in October 2024, could reignite their interest.

Jets' potential HC candidate Kliff Kingsbury opened up about his mistakes as a head coach

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has breathed new life into the team’s offense in 2024. Moreover, he has also positioned himself for another shot at a head coaching role.

Once a promising head coach who saw mixed results with the Arizona Cardinals and Texas Tech, Kingsbury was asked in his Thursday press conference about his aspirations to return to a head coaching position in tune with the Commanders' performance.

“Ya, I’m sure at some point,” he said.

While he declined to confirm whether he would pursue a head coaching job this offseason, his words hinted at the possibility.

"I’m very happy here (in Washington). This has been awesome … has made me rekindle my love for the sport,” he said.

Next, when asked about what Kingsbury would do differently if given another head coaching opportunity, he said:

“I don’t think I set the foundation the way I would do it. After watching DQ (Dan Quinn) and how he set the foundation from day one ... I definitely could have done a better job of that.”

Kingsbury’s name should appear as the NFL’s head coaching carousel begins. Besides the Jets, other teams looking for new leadership are the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears. However, Kingsbury’s satisfaction with the Washington Commanders makes this a long shot.