AFC East

The New England Patriots are interviewing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich as a head coaching candidate, The Athletic's Mike Jones reported.

The Patriots also interviewed former Houston Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton for the position, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

The Patriots are seeking to replace Jerod Mayo, who was fired after the 2024 season ended with a Week 18 win that cost the franchise the 2025 No. 1 pick.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft is "expected" to pursue former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel for the position, The Athletic's Chad Graff and RJ Kraft reported on Sunday.

Leftwich previously served as quarterbacks coach and interim OC for the Arizona Cardinals, then worked with the Bucs during their Super Bowl LV win. He was fired by the Buccaneers after the 2022 season.

Hamilton parted ways with the Texans following the 2022 campaign. He worked with Patriots backup quarterback Joe Milton III ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, per Pelissero.

The Patriots could face significant competition to sign Vrabel. The New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and New York Jets have all expressed interest in the former Titans boss, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

That may have encouraged the Patriots to cast a wide net, which also included a request to speak with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said in February 2021 he was "very, very pissed" that Leftwich didn't receive any interview requests after the Bucs' 2020 season and Super Bowl win.

Arians said he and Tom Brady received "way too much credit" for the championship victory compared to Leftwich.

Another winning season with Brady led to Leftwich reportedly getting multiple interview requests following the 2021 campaign.

He was considered a top candidate to land a head coaching job with the Jacksonville Jaguars before the team went with Doug Pederson instead.

Leftwich was fired after the Bucs' 8-9 finish to the 2022 season. Rick Stroud later reported for the Tampa Bay Times that Brady and head coach Todd Bowles had been dissatisfied with Leftwich's management of the team's run game.

He has not returned to the NFL since then despite being targeted for the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator position in 2023 and expressing interest in serving as the Pittsburgh Steelers' OC in 2024, according to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec and Mark Kaboly.

Meanwhile, Hamilton, who joined NFL Network following his tenure with the Texans, recently expressed his confidence in Milton following the backup's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Back in September, on Texans Pep Talk, I had Joe Milton as one of my top 5 young QBs.

Glad he had an opportunity today to showcase his talent. https://t.co/qTC8hpe2cL pic.twitter.com/xswpvv8G0w

— Pep Hamilton (@CoachPepHam) January 6, 2025

The expiration of Jacoby Brissett's contract could potentially put Milton on track to compete for a backup position behind Drake Maye in 2025.

The New York Jets got a head start in their search for a new head coach last week by bringing in Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera for interviews, but their strategy reportedly didn't sit right with many in the building.

According to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, "Multiple team sources said that some coaches were unhappy with candidates being in the building while interim coach Jeff Ulbrich was running things—Vrabel and Rivera were essentially interviewing to replace him."

Ulbrich was promoted from defensive coordinator to interim head coach when Robert Saleh was fired after the Jets' 2-3 start. Unfortunately, he was unable to turn things around as New York finished the year with a 5-12 record and missed the playoffs for the 14th straight year, the longest active streak in all four major North American men's sports leagues.

Still, many players spoke highly of Ulbrich and continued to play hard for him until the very end. The Jets won their regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins 32-20 in one of their best offensive performances of the year.

Despite being well-liked, Ulbrich's 3-9 record as interim head coach won't bode well for his chances to get a head coaching job this hiring cycle. Perhaps he will be able to return to his roots as a defensive coordinator and get back to doing what he does best in 2025.

The Jets are considering a lengthy list of coaching candidates as they try to put an end to their decade-plus run of futility.

It sounds like the New York Jets are leaving no stone unturned during their search for a new head coach.

After the Jets put in a long list of interview requests on Monday, The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt revealed another slew of names that the Jets are considering in their head coaching search:

"After speaking with league sources, I've heard some other names as potential candidates for the head coaching job: [Tampa Bay] Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen, [Minnesota] Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, [Buffalo] Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, [Miami] Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, [Kansas City] Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and another under-the-radar name with head-coaching experience: Anthony Lynn. The Athletic's Michael Silver also reported the Jets will be interested in [Denver] Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who was the head coach in Denver from 2017-18."

The Jets already completed head coaching interviews with Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera, and they're set to interview former head coach Rex Ryan on Tuesday.

Other candidates being eyed by the Jets include Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson won't be requested for an interview because of a mutual lack of interest.

Ben Johnson has made it very clear he’s not taking interviews with every organization looking for a HC. If the Jets had a better quarterback situation, there would be more interest. https://t.co/1jgZ9eYBuZ

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 6, 2025

After going 5-12 and missing the playoffs for the 14th straight year, the Jets need to make a splash with their next hire. New York is also the only team in search of a new general manager this offseason, so these decisions will be crucial to the future of the franchise.

Rex Ryan's opinion of himself as a candidate for the New York Jets isn't shared by people around the NFL, according to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt.

Rosenblatt reported that Ryan isn't expected to get interviews with any other team and that "it would be a major surprise" if the Jets hired him.

The Jets completed an interview Ryan on Tuesday, the team announced.

💯 https://t.co/Xn2nl884M0

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) January 7, 2025

Fans likely already heard some of his pitch during an appearance on ESPN New York's DiPietro and Rothenberg Show. He said he's "the best guy, and it ain't close," arguing he's uniquely suited to handle all of the challenges the Jets and the New York market would present.

Rex Ryan will interview with the #Jets tomorrow, and he loves his odds of getting the job.@HDumpty39 | @RothenbergESPN

LISTEN: https://t.co/jLsa28DGEc. pic.twitter.com/WcGl1oXsDS

— DiPietro & Rothenberg (@DRonESPN) January 6, 2025

The former NFL head coach also provided a peek into the culture he'd try to forge when he discussed quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was accommodated by New York in a number of was. One example was when he missed mandatory minicamp this summer while on a trip to Egypt.

"Clearly, when you have a guy that doesn't show up for mandatory minicamp—and, by the way, he's your quarterback, coming off an injury—I think that's an absolutely ridiculous message you send to the team," Ryan said (via ESPN's Rich Cimini).

"If he comes back, things would be different. If he's back, it ain't gonna be the country club, show up whenever the hell you want to show up. That ain't gonna happen. I'll just leave it at that."

The Jets already ventured off the beaten path when they solicited the services of The 33rd Team, a media company founded by former general manager Mike Tannenbaum, to aid in their search for a new head coach and GM.

Because of that, you can't write off the chance New York ultimately hires a coach with a .480 winning percentage over eight years, one who also hasn't worked in the league since 2016.

That wouldn't make it any less shocking if Ryan gets the job.

If Tyreek Hill is discontented with the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons has an idea as to where he could play next.

Parsons made his pitch for Hill to come to Dallas in a Monday afternoon post on X.

@cheetah we can be the fastest duo in the league!!! 🦁🐆 we also don’t have state income taxes!

— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) January 6, 2025

The Cowboys star's invitation came after Hill expressed discontentment with the Dolphins following the team's elimination from playoff contention on Sunday.

"This is my first time I haven't been in the playoffs, so for me, like I said, I just gotta do what's best for me and my family," Hill said on Sunday. "If that's here, or wherever the case may be, I'm gonna on that door for myself. I'm opening the door.

"I'm out, bro. So, you know. It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, I've got to do what's best for my career. Because I'm too much of a competitor."

Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill basically said he wanted out of the Dolphins organization after the game. pic.twitter.com/gIiMv7Edaf

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) January 6, 2025

The Dolphins, who were eliminated on the final day of the regular season, were technically closer to the playoffs than the Cowboys, who have been out of the running since Week 16.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined for the season finale with a hip injury, while Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been out since Week 9 with a season-ending hamstring injury.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Tagovailoa's injury is "affecting the surrounding muscles and therefore his strength and mobility, along with leaving him vulnerable to further injury."

That uncertainty may have shaken Hill's faith regarding his starting quarterback's future with the franchise, while Parsons could be hoping Prescott's return timeline offers more confidence in Dallas.

If the Dolphins and Hill do part ways this offseason, the team has motivation to make a move within the next two months. Hill is owed a $1 million roster bonus if he is still with the team as of March 114, per Spotrac.

Parsons meanwhile could determine his own future with the Cowboys by negotiating an extension this offseason. The star defender's contract is currently set to expire after the 2025 season.

Bill Belichick does not have much to say about his former team's latest move.

The current North Carolina head coach parted ways with the New England Patriots following a 2023 season in which the team went 4-13 and missed the postseason for the third time in four seasons. The team ultimately hired Jerod Mayo as his replacement, who saw his time as head coach end after one season on Sunday night.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Belichick said that Mayo was "handpicked" by Robert Kraft but that he was unaware of how anything went down in Foxboro this season.

"I don't have too much of a comment on the Patriots situation..

They have their decision makers and Mayo was handpicked by Robert Kraft..

They haven't called me and asked" 😂😂

Coach Belichick #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/0zFLFep0ie

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 6, 2025

"Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, Robin Glazer, they are the decision-makers there," Belichick. "Mayo was handpicked by Robert but in the end, the decision-making is something they have to comment on and identify. They are the ones who are really making the calls there so they are the ones who should comment on that, I don't really know from the outside looking in. They haven't called me and asked."

Belichick was New England's coach from 2000-23, compiling an overall record of 302-165 while leading the team to nine Super Bowl appearances and six championships. The majority of the team's playoff appearances and every Super Bowl appearance came during quarterback Tom Brady's time with the franchise and the post-Brady years were less successful for the franchise.

Mayo had been a two-time Pro Bowler under Belichick and was the inside linebackers coach prior to his promotion to head coach. He had a clause in his contract that made him the successor to Belichick, so the Patriots did not undergo any search for a new head coach last offseason.

The Patriots' 4-13 record in 2024, as well as the presence of former Patriot Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel and other strong coaching candidates, spelled the end for Mayo's time as head coach.

Belichick, on the other hand, will focus his attention to the college ranks with UNC while his former franchise attempts to enter a new era.

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner said Monday he wants "to be a part of the change in this organization" with the franchise entering a pivotal offseason.

Gardner is signed through 2025 and has a club option for 2026. He told reporters he's leaving his agent to handle any specifics over his next contract but that he broadly wants to stick around in the Big Apple.

"I want to be a part of the change in this organization"

Sauce Gardner talks about his contract situation and jokes he'd be the Jets' "No. 1 hater" if they turned it around without him: pic.twitter.com/uEnfmkE3A4

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 6, 2025

A member of the 2022 NFL draft class, he's among multiple key players for the Jets who are eligible to begin negotiating extensions. That group includes wide receiver Garrett Wilson, running back Breece Hall and linebacker Jermaine Johnson II.

Spotrac pegs Gardner's market value at $19.1 million annually, a salary that would rank eighth at his position.

The 24-year-old had one interception, nine pass breakups and 49 tackles in 15 starts this season. When targeting him, quarterbacks also completed 56.9 percent of their passes and had a 86.9 passer rating, per Pro Football Reference.

The Jets have a lot of pressing matters to attend to in the weeks and months ahead. They're in the process of finding their next head coach and general manager. They'll have to make a decision on quarterback Aaron Rodgers and need a firm long-term solution at the position even if he returns. Wide receiver Davante Adams has a contract that's easy to get off of, and his departure would free up a lot of salary cap space. Hall will be entering the final year of his rookie deal.

That's why Gardner might be placed on the back burner for now. He's under team control for two more years, and it sounds like he won't force the front office to act much sooner than that.

Gardner and his agent could prefer to bide their time anyway. While he didn't have a poor season by any means, he failed to reach the heights he had in his first two years. He didn't make the AFC Pro Bowl squad and it's hard seeing him make the All-Pro cut.

Gardner's earning power will be stronger this time next year if he firmly cements himself as an elite corner again.

Davante Adams' future with the New York Jets may not be tied to quarterback Aaron Rodgers' future.

One day after the Jets Week 18 victory over the Miami Dolphins to end the season, Adams acknowledged that he would "potentially" be open to returning to the team even if Rodgers didn't return but it would "depend on everything" that the team does in the offseason.

He also said he personally has "no idea" about his future with the team.

Davante Adams says he has "no idea" about his future with the Jets and says that Aaron Rodgers' situation will have an impact on what he does: pic.twitter.com/zTWNsp9uLy

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 6, 2025

"I have no idea, honestly," Adams said. "I'm just trying to take a little time right now and re-assess. I want to see how I'm feeling, have a few conversations and hopefully come up with a plan going forward."

He acknowledged that Rodgers' decision "for sure" would impact his.

He also discussed a "nagging" hip injury he was dealing with and said it was "painful" but that he had dealt with more difficult injuries before.

Adams was acquired by the Jets on Oct. 15 to help the team make a push for the postseason after a 2-4 start to the season. The move came less than 24 hours after the team had fired head coach Robert Saleh and reunited Adams with Rodgers, who he had played eight seasons alongside on the Green Bay Packers.

The move did not push the needle for the Jets as hoped, as the team would lose their next two games and eventually finished the season at 5-12. Adams was productive for the Jets, with 67 catches for 854 yards and seven touchdowns, but the team was unable to capitalize and enters the offseason with significant uncertainty.

He has an "out" in his contract following the 2024 season and "controls his own destiny" when it comes to negotiations with the Jets, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. If the Jets are able to put forward a competitive team, with or without Rodgers, Adams may be willing to return and see if he can help the team reach new heights.

If not, the 32-year-old should be a hot commodity in free agency.

Robert Kraft is taking responsibility for head coach Jerod Mayo's struggles in the 2024 season.

The Patriots fired Mayo shortly after the team's Week 18 victory over the Buffalo Bills. New England finished 4-13 for the second consecutive season. It was Mayo's first and only season as the head coach and it came after his highest coaching position had been the inside linebackers coach.

Kraft addressed the media for the first time since the firing on Monday and said that he had put Mayo in "an untenable situation." and that "the whole situation is on me."

Robert Kraft: “I’m going to be very brief here — this whole situation is on me.”

On Jerod Mayo: “I put him in an untenable situation. … He just needed more time before taking the job.” pic.twitter.com/yq1UHG9o90

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) January 6, 2025

Kraft also said that Eliot Wolf, the team's executive vice president of player personnel, and the rest of the front office staff will remain with the team. He also called firing Mayo "the hardest decision I've ever had to make."

Despite retaining the front office staff, Kraft acknowledged that the team's drafts "have not been good for a while" and that he believes they will see improvement under Wolf's grading system.

Robert Kraft: "Our drafts have not been good for a while."

Says he thinks they'll see improvement and noted Eliot Wolf's grading system was newly implemented

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) January 6, 2025

Wolf has been with New England since 2020 and has been the "de facto" general manager since the team parted ways with Bill Belichick after the 2023 season.

The Patriots 2024 season saw promising play from rookie quarterback Drake Maye but little else to be excited about. The defense regressed from 7th in total defense in 2023 to 22nd this season while the offense ranked 31st despite Maye flashing his potential.

Kraft had reportedly not been considering firing Mayo unless of a "calamity," and the Patriots' end to the season could be described as that. Following the team's Week 14 bye, New England had lackluster efforts against the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers, blew a 14-point lead to the Bills and then only defeated Buffalo when the opponent sat key players ahead of the postseason.

The victory also meant that the Patriots dropped to the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A loss would have secured the No. 1 pick in the draft, which the team could have potentially used to accumulate more draft capital and fix the numerous holes on the roster.

The Patriots will enter the 2025 offseason with a promising quarterback, a new head coach and $131 million in cap space. Some coaches who have been linked to the position include former Patriots star Mike Vrabel, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Liam Coen and former Seattle Seahawks and Patriots coach Pete Carroll.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's hip injury is not expected to be a long-term issue.

Appearing on Monday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Adam Schefter said the understanding is Tagovailoa will "be ready to go" for the 2025 season.

"Tua Tagovailoa has gotta get that hip right and he'll have time now to get it ready for the 2025 season..

The understanding is that he'll be ready to go for next season" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/kUkTIynm6Y

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 6, 2025

Tagovailoa's health was a major storyline for the Dolphins at the end of the regular season, as he missed the Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns and Week 18 game against the New York Jets with a hip injury.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported ahead of the game against the Jets that the hip injury was "affecting the surrounding muscles and therefore his strength and mobility, along with leaving him vulnerable to further injury."

Rapoport also reported it was "not a given" the quarterback would be available in the Wild Card Round if Miami advanced to the playoffs.

Any issues with Tagovailoa's right hip will be a cause for concern because he had surgery after dislocating it in November 2019 during his junior year at Alabama.

Tagovailoa was also sidelined earlier this season because of a concussion, which was all the more notable since he suffered two diagnosed concussions during the 2022 campaign. He was hospitalized after suffering one of the 2022 concussions.

Miami turned to Tyler Huntley this season when Tagovailoa was out, including for the final two games of the regular season. The Dolphins missed the playoffs after a 32-20 loss to the New York Jets in Week 18.

Tagovailoa and Skylar Thompson are the only quarterbacks the Dolphins have under contract in 2025. Huntley will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.