Dream NY Jets head coach candidate is interested under one key condition

The NY Jets will conduct a search for a new head coach this offseason, and while the team has already been connected to a number of possible candidates, one name has stood out among the rest.

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is expected to be one of the hottest names in the coaching carousel this offseason. Vrabel is a personal favorite option for many Jets fans who are prioritizing experience and leadership in the coaching search.

With such a highly-touted candidate, there has been some speculation that he might not be a realistic option for the Jets. But it turns out Vrabel is a legitimate option for the organization.

On a recent episode of his Flight Desk podcast, ESPN's Rich Cimini revealed that has told people close to him that he's interested in the Jets' vacant head coach position. There is one caveat, though — he needs to approve of the GM hire.

Mike Vrabel is a realitsic head coach candidate for the NY Jets

Vrabel's close personal ties to Bill Belichick would lead many to believe that he would have no interest in the Jets' job. Cimini insists that isn't the case and that he "doesn't care what Belichick thinks." He's going to make a decision for himself.

"I've talked to people who know Vrabel, and he has told friends that he would consider the Jets as a possibility, as long as he likes the GM that they pick. So he says he doesn't care what Belichick thinks, he'll judge the situation based on its own merit."

- Rich Cimini

A former All-Pro linebacker, Vrabel spent a few years as an assistant coach before serving as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. His stint included four consecutive winning seasons to begin his head coaching career.

Vrabel helped lead the Titans to a surprise AFC Championship Game run in 2019 before putting together consecutive seasons of 11 and 12 wins in 2020 and 2021, respectively. He's a former Coach of the Year who many believe was scapegoated in Tennessee.

You aren't going to find many other realistic head coach candidates with Vrabel's experience and track record on the open market. He's spent the 2024 season working as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns in preparation for another run at a head coach job in 2025.

Belichick has been vocal in his criticism of Woody Johnson and the Jets organization. Even ignoring his longstanding feud with the franchise, it's become very clear he does not hold the Jets organization in high regard.

But if Vrabel isn't going to put much stock in Belichick's opinion, he might just be a realistic option for the Jets. Hiring him would certainly provide optimism for an organization that is desperately in need of a cultural overhaul.

Vrabel helped accomplish that when he arrived in Nashville and he could do the same for his next NFL destination. Expect the Jets to make Vrabel one of their top targets this offseason.

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