NY Jets fail 'late push' for Mike Vrabel and face worst-case scenario

The NY Jets identified Mike Vrabel as their preferred head coach candidate from the onset of their coaching search. The former Tennessee Titans head honcho was expected to be a hot name in the coaching carousel, but the Jets genuinely believed they had a chance to land him.

That was until the New England Patriots job surprisingly opened up. From the moment the Patriots decided to prematurely part ways with Jerod Mayo, New England became an obvious destination for Vrabel.

The former NFL linebacker had spent eight years playing in New England and maintained close ties to the organization. Reports suggest that while there was "mutual interest" between Vrabel and the Jets, the Patriots quickly emerged as the favorites for their ex-player.

On Sunday, New England's pursuit paid off as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the two sides had "reached a multi-year agreement" to make him the next Patriots head coach. SNY's Connor Hughes reported that the Jets "made a late push" and "wanted him bad" but that it was always an "uphill battle."

NY Jets wanted Mike Vrabel bad before Patriots hire him

Vrabel has been the apple of the Jets' eye since the start of their coaching search. Reports dating back to last month suggest Vrabel was the coach the team "coveted the most."

But in recent days, reality had begun to set in. The Jets have been pushing hard to land Vrabel, but the team was well aware of his interest in New England. Vrabel's Patriots connection has been the worst-kept secret of the coaching cycle.

Vrabel would have been a transformative hire for a Jets franchise that has spent much of the past decade in the NFL's cellar. Instead, they'll now face him twice a year as their arch-rival's head coach.

The Jets will likely turn their attention to Aaron Glenn and Brian Flores in their head coach search. Most expect the Jets and New Orleans Saints to be the two finalists for Glenn. If the Jets aren't able to hire the current Lions DC, the situation might get a little tense in Florham Park.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith loom as potential fallback options if the Jets miss out on their top targets, although neither would be a particularly inspiring choice.

The unexpected Vrabel news undoubtedly stings for the Jets, especially after a month-long pursuit of their top choice. Rather than leading a turnaround in New York, Vrabel will head to New England, poised to haunt the team that heavily courted him.

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