In response to the challenges following the New York Jets’ 2-3 beginning to the season, coach Robert Saleh remarked on Monday that there was still ample time left in the season and “nobody in the building is panicking.”

However, the next day, owner Woody Johnson seemed to have a different outlook.

On Tuesday, the Jets made the surprising decision to fire Saleh, marking a sudden change for a team that aimed for a Super Bowl or at least its first playoff appearance in 14 years. Despite the much-anticipated return of Aaron Rodgers, whose last season ended prematurely due to a torn Achilles just four plays into the game, the team showed little improvement. The offense managed the same number of points (93) it scored in the first five games last season with Zach Wilson, while both Rodgers and the struggling rushing attack faced challenges.

With defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich named interim coach, the Jets will attempt to salvage their current season. However, this transition also raises questions about the 2025 hiring decisions, which could be one of the most significant in the team’s history.

Unless Rodgers changes his stance—having mentioned earlier this year that he is “hopeful” about playing several more seasons—the Jets will likely prioritize their immediate competitiveness over long-term strategy. This complicates the search for a new head coach; while owner Woody Johnson may desire a fresh offensive mind reminiscent of Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan, hiring such a coach might require trusting a novice head coach with limited experience as an assistant. On the flip side, many seasoned candidates available tend to have a defensive background, which would necessitate hiring an offensive expert to work with Rodgers and his teammates.

Following Saleh’s termination, here are the leading head coaching contenders for the Jets:

Head Coaching Candidates for the Jets

Bill Belichick

Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion, is a prominent figure in any head coaching vacancy discussion. With the Jets becoming the first team to have an opening for their head coach, speculation will undoubtedly arise about a potential reunion with Belichick. From a personnel perspective, it is easy to understand why he might consider returning to a franchise he has had a long-standing complicated relationship with, especially nearly 25 years after he famously resigned from the Jets on a napkin. For a team keen on winning immediately since Rodgers joined, hiring the 72-year-old mastermind behind the New England Patriots’ dynasty would signify a substantial commitment to immediate success.

However, a significant concern remains regarding how well Belichick would adapt to the Jets environment—or whether the Jets would adapt to him. Even though Belichick and Rodgers respect each other, can these two strong personalities collaborate effectively? Furthermore, considering how Belichick’s tenure with the Patriots ended and the offensive struggles they faced post-Tom Brady, there may be valid points that could cause the Jets to hesitate on this decision.

Ben Johnson

Currently one of the most sought-after coaching candidates, Johnson has been selective in his career moves, opting to stay with the Detroit Lions despite interest in the last two hiring cycles. With the Lions’ offense still performing well, Johnson should be a prominent figure in this interview season. The key question remains: What would entice the 38-year-old to accept this role, and can the Jets provide that? This position could be one of the most challenging to fill, and its difficulties might deter Johnson. Nevertheless, the Jets would find value in gaining a play-caller of Johnson’s creative stature, albeit he may require the support of an experienced former NFL head coach to help stabilize the locker room dynamics.

Bobby Slowik

Another rising star, 37-year-old Slowik gained attention last season for developing a dynamic offense for the Houston Texans, particularly for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Being only in his second year as an offensive coordinator, moving up in the ranks could be a significant career step for him, and it seems likely to happen in the near future. The potential in bringing in another innovative play-caller is promising, but questions remain about whether this is the right situation for a first-time head coach, focusing on maximizing the team’s success in the coming years.

Joe Brady

It might be early to discuss the 35-year-old offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills as a candidate to lead the Jets and Rodgers. However, Brady has significantly impacted the Bills’ offense since taking over midway through last season. Under his guidance, the offense has demonstrated flexibility, adeptly utilizing Josh Allen’s unique abilities as both a passer and a runner while effectively integrating the running game. Nonetheless, Brady’s preference for pre-snap motion may require consideration, as Rodgers has only recently warmed to using this strategy after initially resisting it.

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His career may require more adaptation to match the extent of Brady’s usage.

Mike Vrabel

If the Jets prioritize hiring someone with prior head coaching experience, then Mike Vrabel might be a suitable choice. After being let go by the Tennessee Titans in January, where he had a record of 54 wins and 45 losses and led the team to three playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, he took on a role as a coaching and personnel consultant with the Cleveland Browns. It makes sense that a 49-year-old coach, with a solid history of winning, would attract interest from teams looking to improve. However, the Jets might not be an ideal fit for Vrabel due to his focus on defense and the Titans’ outdated reliance on a run-heavy offense during his tenure.

Brian Flores

The idea of combining Flores’ complex strategies with the Jets’ top-notch defensive players should be appealing to any team. However, bringing in the current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator goes beyond just game strategy. Flores is still in the midst of a lawsuit against the NFL and multiple teams for racial discrimination, which has seen little advancement since its filing in February 2022. His prospects for any job openings are complicated by this legal battle, along with recent statements from Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quarterback, that seemed to critique Flores’ leadership style during his time with the team.

Frank Smith

If the Jets seek someone who will connect well with players, it would be hard to find a candidate more suited than Frank Smith, who was recognized as the top offensive coordinator in a recent NFL Players Association survey. While Mike McDaniel serves as the Miami Dolphins’ offensive play caller, Smith has earned a reputation for his skill and ability to communicate effectively. The main concern would be whether he can work well with Rodgers.

Aaron Glenn

It may be unrealistic to expect a defensive coach who lacks any prior head coaching experience to be chosen for this role, given the challenges facing the franchise. However, Aaron Glenn, a former first-round draft pick for the Jets and two-time Pro Bowl selection during his eight seasons with the team, might help shift the culture positively after his time as Dan Campbell’s defensive coordinator in Detroit. He may be a long shot in this selection process, but he certainly deserves some consideration.