After returning home from their Week 5 trip to London, the New York Jets’ owner Woody Johnson decided it was time to make some changes within the team. Following the Jets’ recentloss to the Vikings, the franchise announced the dismissal of coach Robert Saleh. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will serve as the interim head coach.

Since the year 2000, there have been 12 cases where an interim head coach has successfully transitioned into the permanent role with their teams. Notably, this season, Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders became the first interim coach in the last seven years to be appointed as head coach.

Ulbrich has a significant opportunity to establish himself after Saleh’s firing just five games into the 2024 season. Interestingly, Bill Belichick does not appear as a candidate for consideration. It’s worth noting that defensive coaches have faced challenges in the NFL hiring landscape, with only 16 out of the last 42 head coaching hires being defensive coaches, while offensive coaches accounted for 27 of those hires over the last six offseasons.

Here are the most recent odds for the next head coach of the Jets, according to DraftKings Sportsbook:

Odds for Jets’ Next Head Coach

Ben Johnson +300

Currently at the top of the Jets’ head coaching odds is Ben Johnson, the outstanding offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. At 38, he has become a highly sought-after figure in the head coaching market. Under his guidance, the Lions have consistently ranked in the top five offensively. He has turned down several offers in favor of working toward a Super Bowl victory with Detroit.

Bobby Slowik +400

Bobby Slowik may not be a familiar name to fans, but he is respected within league circles. He has been instrumental in C.J. Stroud’s development with the Houston Texans. Slowik, who spent six seasons as an assistant with the 49ers, comes from the esteemed Kyle Shanahan coaching tree. Last offseason he interviewed with multiple teams before opting to remain in Houston with an extension.

Mike Vrabel +500

Many view Mike Vrabel as the top coaching candidate currently available. The Jets could greatly benefit from his traditional coaching style, which brought him success as head coach of the Titans, where he had a record of 54-45. Though he’s taking a break from coaching this season, Vrabel is serving as a personnel consultant for the Cleveland Browns.

Jeff Ulbrich +500

Jeff Ulbrich has been the Jets’ defensive coordinator since 2021 and was part of Saleh’s coaching team. His defense finished fourth (2022) and third (2023) in overall rankings. In 2023, the Jets allowed the fewest yards per play (4.6) and have ranked second-lowest in average yards allowed per game since 2021.

Kliff Kingsbury +1000

Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is gaining traction as a head coaching candidate once again, currently with the Washington Commanders. He has done an impressive job developing quarterback Jayden Daniels early in the 2024 season. Known for his ability to coach agile quarterbacks, his suitability for working with Aaron Rodgers in New York would depend on the team’s quarterback dynamics.

Aaron Glenn +1000

Despite the lack of head coaching opportunities, Aaron Glenn, the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, is highly respected within the league. He has interviewed for head coaching positions in the past four offseasons but has yet to secure a role. He is recognized as a strong candidate for future openings.

Klint Kubiak +1200

Another name to watch is Klint Kubiak, who previously served as the passing game specialist for the 49ers before becoming the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints after they parted ways with longtime coordinator Pete Carmichael. Kubiak is known for his innovative zone-running scheme that is well-suited for modern offenses, effectively utilizing play-action passes, a tactic that has benefitted many teams including the Saints, who are seeing quarterback Derek Carr excel with play-action this season.

Brian Flores +1200

Brian Flores, currently in his second season as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, is also being considered as a contender to replace Saleh. He has quickly turned the Vikings’ defense into a formidable unit. While his previous head coach experience in Miami was rocky, he is widely appreciated for his defensive schemes, recording a 24-25 record during his Dolphins tenure. His aggressive approach could enhance the Jets’ already strong young defense.

Kirby Smart +1400

Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, is the most surprising entry on this list. He led Georgia to consecutive national championships (2021, 2022) and has an impressive record of 94-16 since he took over in 2015. When asked last summer about potential NFL coaching interests, his response suggested he hasn’t closed the door on that possibility.

He mentioned, “At the moment, no. I always keep an open mind about possibilities, but it’s not something that excites me. I truly enjoy my connection with the college students, and it has been a pleasure to work here at my old school. It’s a role I want to embrace for many years and strive for great achievements.”

Todd Monken +1400

Monken has compiled impressive seasons over the last six years. Although he’s one of the older candidates, he recently led Lamar Jackson to his second MVP title. He was the offensive coordinator for Georgia during their latest national championships in 2021 and 2022. Widely acknowledged as a brilliant offensive strategist, he has the Baltimore Ravens’ offense performing strongly again in 2024.