Rex Reunion, Belichick protege, former Jet CB among top HC candidates

There are still five games left in the 2024 New York Jets season, but fans have already turned the page. 

As the Green and White look to reshuffle their front office and coaching staff, there are several names bubbling to the top of wish lists this holiday season. 

The most recent name, Mike Vrabel, was drafted by the Steelers, then won three Super Bowls under Bill Belichick in New England. 

After his playing career, Vrabel went through the college and eventually NFL coaching circuits. He finally got his first opportunity as head coach in 2018 with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans had unprecedented playoff success under Vrabel, but after butting heads with Tennessee ownership over requesting more roster control, he was fired in 2023. 

Hiring Vrabel would be the preferred move for the majority of Jet fans. It would be the ultimate thumbing of the nose to Belichick. 

Another option is Rex Ryan, who brought the Jets to back to back AFC title games in 2009 and 2010. 

Ryan is outspoken and while he delivered some of the most successful seasons in franchise history, his boisterous and blowhard act tired after the front office wasn't able to replenish an aging roster. 

The third top option is Aaron Glenn, a decorated cornerback for many years with Gang Green throughout the '90s. 

Glenn learned from Bill Parcells how to properly coach up a team. Glenn has had tremendous success as the defensive coordinator for the 12-1 Detroit Lions. 

His counterpart in Detroit, Ben Johnson, has been the hot name on the coaching market. There have been reports that Johnson will want to take a hard look at an organization's structure and will only take interviews with teams he intends on coaching. 

Having owner Woody Johnson breath down a newly hired coach's neck is not a job many are lining up to take. 

Woody has hired the 33rd team to lead the search for a new general manager. That team is made up of former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and former Vikings executive Rick Spielman.

So while the coaching and GM rumors will be floating about throughout this entire offseason, it's clear this is a turning point in Jets history and the start of a new regime in Florham Park.