Jeff Ulbrich is the interim New York Jets head coach(Image: Getty)

5 New York Jets head coach candidates as Bill Belichick tipped for shock return

The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start to the season, with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich taking over as interim head coach

by · The Mirror

The New York Jets have bid farewell to head coach Robert Saleh, bringing his four-year stint to a close after kicking off this season with a 2-3 record. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will step in as temporary head coach while the team hunts for a permanent successor.

Saleh was shown the door just five games into the season, during which he steered the Jets to a 2-3 record. The team never finished higher than third in the AFC East during his four-year reign with his .35 winning percentage.

The Jets are at a critical juncture. They need to find the right leader to utilise Aaron Rodgers's ageing talent and a group of dynamic pass catchers to steer the team through a crucial season. Here's a look at 5 potential contenders including one very familiar face.

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson's rise with the Detroit Lions as an offensive coordinator has demonstrated his ability to shape a top-tier offense, making him a prime candidate for teams looking to rejuvenate their scoring units.

In 2023, he helped guide the Lions to a top-five finish in both points and yards, and with an already elite quarterback in Rodgers, Johnson could effortlessly fit into the Jet's offensive puzzle. This year, the Lions have a 3-1 record and rank seventh in points and third in offensive yards.

Ben Johnson emerged as a head coach candidate for his success in Detroit( Image: Getty)

Johnson was at the top of the Washington Commanders list last season to replace Ron Rivera, who was sacked after the 2023 season with a 4-13 record.

Johnson was considered for the role but ultimately declined as the team was in the process of transitioning under the new managing owner, Josh Harris. His offensive innovation could be a game-changer for Rodgers, who will be 42 when his contract ends after 2025.

However, any move to hire Johnson would have to wait until next season.

Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick's exit from the Patriots last season signalled the end of an era, but the legendary coach still has much to offer in terms of leadership and defensive expertise. His eight Super Bowl rings are testament to his winning capabilities, despite missing out on the Atlanta Falcons job to Raheem Morris last season.

Bill Belichick is out of work as a head coach and has been instantly linked with the Jets( Image: Getty Images)

A potential return to New York for Belichick would certainly make headlines. He previously spent three years with the Jets as their defensive coordinator, from 1997-99, before taking up the Patriots job the following season that cemented his legacy.

Mike Vrabel

Mike Vrabel was let go from his head coaching position with the Tennessee Titans last season after six years with the team. Four of his first six seasons saw positive records, with the team clinching the AFC South in 2020 and 2021.

Mike Vrabel is available for a head coaching role after leaving Tennessee

While it seemed likely that Vrabel would soon secure another coaching role, he instead took on the position of a personnel consultant for the Cleveland Browns, assisting with roster management and other player-related tasks. With Cleveland's current season record standing at 1-4, this provides Vrabel with an ideal opportunity to abandon a failing team without control and attempt to guide a new one.

Adam Stenavich

Adam Stenavich, Green Bay's offensive coordinator, joined the Packers in 2019, the same year the Jets expressed interest in hiring him as an offensive line coach. Following Nathaniel Hackett's departure, who is now the OC for the Jets, Stenavich was promoted to OC.

Adam Stenavich could finally land his first head coaching position( Image: Getty)

Since then, he has demonstrated his reliability within the coaching staff, particularly in his work with Jordan Love. Stenavich's coaching career began back in 2012 at the University of Michigan, but he has yet to secure a head coaching position.

Jeff Ulbrich

Jeff Ulbrich was appointed interim coach for a reason. He is a well-respected figure within the Jets organisation, having earned the admiration of both the front office and the players.

If the Jets perform well for the remainder of the year, especially in their Week 6 game against the Buffalo Bills, Ulbrich's interim status could be upgraded to a permanent role. With Buffalo only one win ahead of New York in the AFC East, Ulbrich is well-positioned to lead the team to a division title and beyond.