NFL Rumors: Aaron Rodgers' Jets make decision on Lions OC Ben Johnson

Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets finally showed signs of life in Week 18 at MetLife Stadium. Going up against the Tua Tagovailoa-less Miami Dolphins, the Jets made a statement, playing some sensible football to pick up their fifth win of the season.

As a result, Rodgers registered his 500th career touchdown, which came in the third quarter off a throw to tight end Tyler Conklin. That TD pass makes Rodgers just the fifth player to achieve that feat after Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539), and Brett Favre (508).

Whether Rodgers will have the opportunity to overtake Brett Favre or possibly Peyton Manning remains to be seen but the Jets are already making some moves to ensure there is a little less uncertainty next season.

While they still don't have a permanent head coach or a general manager, the Jets have been interviewing candidates for both vacancies. They have already had talks with Mike Vrabel and Rex Ryan but one man who will not be interviewing for the job is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is the hottest name on the 2025 coaching carousel.

The Athletic's NFL insider Dianna Russini reported the Jets are not expected to put in a formal request to interview Johnson even if he can officially attend interviews in a virtual manner, given Black Monday is the first day of the offseason for the 18 teams that didn't make the playoffs.

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Why aren't Jets interviewing Lions OC Ben Johnson?

Russini further reported that Johnson had made it "very clear" he will not take interviews with every coaching vacancy. At the time of writing, there are five of those - the Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

"If the Jets had a better quarterback situation, there would be more interest," Russini added.

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Exploring Jets' head coach candidates

Given Johnson will likely land with the Chicago Bears, that dramatically alters the Jets' options. There were some rumors that Mike Vrabel would take the job but the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo last night, leaving that job for the taking.

Sportskeeda's NFL insider Tony Pauline reported last week that the Saints are eyeing Lions DC Aaron Glenn to take over. That leaves the Jets with the likes of Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury, Broncos DC Vance Joseph, former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, Vikings DC Brian Flores, Bills OC Joe Brady, and Bucs OC Liam Coen.

Bill Belichick reportedly has an out in his $50 million UNC contract, though that prospect remains a long shot.

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