AFC East

Jerod Mayo's firing by the New England Patriots comes with the assumption that the Patriots will make a splash with their next coaching hire.

Mike Sando of The Athletic reported that the belief around the league is that Patriots owner Robert Kraft would not have fired Mayo without knowing he could grab a notable name on the coaching carousel.

"Kraft was not going to fire Mayo unless he gets Vrabel, Carroll or some other clear upgrade," an exec from another team told Sando.

Mayo was the handpicked successor to long-time head coach Bill Belichick by Kraft and his only season did not go smoothly. The Patriots went 4-13, matching their record from 2023, but regressed significantly on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots were ranked seventh in total defense in 2023 and were 22nd in the NFL in total defense in 2024.

Mayo had previously served as the team's inside linebackers coach and was a two-time Pro Bowler as a linebacker, so the regression was troubling on the defensive side of the ball. Additionally, he had to walk back several statements he made during postgame press conferences during the season, which showed some of his inexperience with the job.

Kraft called the decision to cut ties with Mayo as "one of the hardest decisions I have ever made." It also opens the door for the Patriots to grab one of the top coaches on the market and utilize the previous championship culture and the presence of quarterback Drake Maye as major selling points.

Mike Vrabel would fit the bill as a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and with proven success as a head coach. He compiled a 54-45 record in six seasons as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans and led the franchise to three playoff appearances, one AFC Championship appearance and the No. 1 seed in the AFC in 2021.

Pete Carroll was the Patriots head coach from 1997-1999 and Kraft was the team's owner. He has since gone on to very successful tenures with USC and the Seattle Seahawks, including a Super Bowl victory with the Seahawks in 2013.

Other "clear upgrades" could be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who shares an alma mater with Maye, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who helped Baker Mayfield have another strong season despite the departure of Dave Canales.

Tyreek Hill isn't exactly being subtle as the future of the Miami Dolphins wide receiver becomes a topic of increasing speculation.

On the social media site X, Hill changed his profile picture to be his face on the body of Antonio Brown from when the star wideout ran off the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022.

New profile pic for Tyreek Hill pic.twitter.com/WDKo6Zyyga

— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) January 6, 2025

😁

— Ty Hill (@cheetah) January 6, 2025

This comes after Hill said Sunday he's more than open to exploring new opportunities outside of Miami:

“I’m out bro.”

Tyreek Hill on his future with Dolphins 😳

(via @OmarKelly, @MiamiHerald) pic.twitter.com/uupakWk7Vb

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 6, 2025

It sounds as though the eight-time Pro Bowler has made up his mind.

Tyreek Jimmy
🤝
Wanting out of Miami pic.twitter.com/PI4Vu8yuTV

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 6, 2025

Even if the Dolphins had made the playoffs and went on a deep run, Hill's long-term future needed to be addressed sooner or later. He's signed through the 2026 season, which presents a clear ticking clock.

Hill reset the market when he signed his four-year, $120 million extension with Miami in 2022, but the price for elite pass-catchers has risen since then.

Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown are all making more than $30 million annually on average. Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase, who's in the last year of his rookie deal in 2025, could plausibly surpass Jefferson ($35 million) after claiming the receiving triple crown this season.

For the Dolphins, paying Hill at his market rate is worth serious consideration when he'll turn 31 in March. His production from this year (81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns) could be an outlier because quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed six games, but Hill is at the age at which a lot of decorated receivers have begun to fall off.

Miami has handed Jaylen Waddle a three-year, $84.8 million extension as well. Keeping Waddle and Hill together would make for an expensive receiver room. That's why it might almost be better for things to come to a head now.

Hill's trade value will be higher compared now than if the Dolphins were trying to move him in 2025, and they'll have an entire offseason to figure out how to replace the five-time All-Pro.

Rex Ryan made it abundantly clear he'd instill a new culture within the New York Jets if hired as their head coach for a second time, and that process would start with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Appearing on ESPN New York's DiPietro and Rothenberg Show (via Rich Cimini of ESPN), the former NFL coach said his approach to Rodgers would be far different than how the Jets have handled the surefire Hall of Famer.

"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.

"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."

This could be a moot point because it hinges on Ryan getting hired and Rodgers returning, and neither is a guarantee at this point.

With the regular season over, the Jets are making their formal requests to interview assistant coaches on other staffs, and they're casting a wide net. Ryan expressed confidence in getting hired by the Jets and said he's "the best guy, and it ain't close." Others may beg to differ.

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

New York isn't wedded to Rodgers, either, despite him being under contract for 2025. Team owner Woody Johnson told the New York Post's Brian Costello the next coach and general manager will have the freedom to decide on what to do with the four-time MVP.

"From a numbers standpoint, he did OK, except for the most important number—winning games," Johnson said of Rodgers. "But that's going to be up to the coach. The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is. That's going to be a very important job for the general manager and the coach—what do we want and when do we get it and what's our timeline. Where does Aaron Rodgers fit into that?"

Rodgers might not ultimately be of much concern for whoever is leading the Jets. But one can extrapolate a wider organizational philosophy from Ryan's comments. Accountability would be a prevalent theme from his tenure.

The Detroit Lions and Dan Campbell have shown the blueprint for how to build a contender with a more culture-focused head coach. He has assembled an excellent staff to cover for whatever deficiencies he has schematically.

Maybe that vision will be enough to win Johnson over.

The New York Jets' 2024 season took a turn for the worst after team owner Woody Johnson chose to fire head coach Robert Saleh following a 2-3 start, but Johnson wouldn't change his decision.

While speaking to Brian Costello of the New York Post, Johnson was asked if he had any regrets about firing Saleh when he did, and he was steadfast in his choice.

"No, not at all," Johnson said. "I was very, very sure that I was making the right decision. I didn't do it to spark or anything like that. I didn't do it for that reason. I just knew everything that I needed to know about that situation."

The Jets fell apart after Saleh was dismissed and replaced by interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who had been serving as defensive coordinator. New York finished the year with a 5-12 record, extending its playoff drought to 14 straight seasons, which is the longest active drought in the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB.

In addition to parting ways with Saleh, Johnson also fired general manager Joe Douglas in November. Douglas' contract was set to expire at the end of the year, but Johnson still asserted his power by letting him go early.

There were reports throughout the season that Johnson was becoming increasingly meddlesome in team decisions, so it's hard to consider the Jets to be an attractive destination for prospective GMs and head coaches. Still, New York will have to focus on finding the right combination to help end their extensive run of futility.

Rex Ryan envisions himself on the New York Jets sideline in 2025.

The former NFL coach and current ESPN analyst spoke with Rick Dipietro and Dave Rothenberg of ESPN about his chances at landing the Jets vacant head coach spot and said he believes the "best guy and it isn't close."

Rex Ryan told @HDumpty39 and @RothenbergESPN that he loves his chances of landing the Jets head coaching job.pic.twitter.com/5zqfPRzJva

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2025

"Oh 100 percent, absolutely I do," Ryan said. "The reason I think I'm going to get it is because I am the best guy and it isn't close. The thing that you have to do it you have to connect with their football team and their fanbase. The way they play, that's the most important thing. Not just the X's and O's"

He also expressed his appreciation for Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who could be a candidate for the job as well, but Ryan believes he is still a "better candidate for this team."

This would be Ryan's second stint with the Jets, as he was the team's head coach from 2009-14. He compiled an overall record of 46-50 with the franchise and led them to two AFC Championships in 2009 and 2010.

He would venture to the Buffalo Bills for 2015 and 2016 and has not served as a head coach since his final season in Buffalo.

The Jets, meanwhile, have not reached the playoffs since Ryan was the team's head coach and have an overall record of 56-108 since his firing. These struggles have come despite some seasons with expectations, including a 2024 season that turned disastrous early.

The Jets went 5-12 in 2024 despite the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers from his Achilles injury. The team fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the season and may have many holes to fill this offseason.

Bringing Ryan back could help re-establish the culture of those earlier Jets teams and help put this ugly chapter of franchise history to rest.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is pushing back on rumors about his son's involvement in front office decisions.

An article from Zack Rosenblatt, Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic alleged that Johnson has "included his sons in some meetings at the Jets team facilities" and that they were having "increasing involvement."

Johnson responded to this by describing the article as "unsubstantiated" and "out of context."

"I think the article is a typical smear piece — unsubstantiated," Johnson said, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. "Nobody really stood up and put their name on anything. It's absolutely untrue. Everything was out of context. When you're losing games, it gives people the artistic license to kind of do what they want."

Johnson has been the team's owner since 2000 and is currently a co-owner with his brother, Christopher. He did acknowledge his sons' presence at meetings but said it was a result of his family tradition to "teach the next generation" about their family business.

"In my family, my great grandfather took my grandfather to meetings when he was a teenager," Johnson said, per Costello. "He'd dress up in a suit and go to meetings. That's the way you teach the next generation. That's what you do. It's an apprenticeship. Does he have any decision making? Absolutely not. No decision making, despite what you might read."

The Jets had high expectations in 2024 but struggled to a 5-12 record. This extended the team's playoff drought to 14 seasons and the outlook for the future does not look solidified.

Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers just finished his age-41 season and could see his time with the franchise come to an end. The Jets will also need to find a new general manager and head coach and hope those decisions age better than the previous hirings in the playoff drought.

The Jets will enter the 2025 season with the seventh pick in the draft and several holes to fill in order to push for a playoff spot.

The New York Jets' coaching search is kicking into gear after the regular season wrapped up.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported the Jets have requested to interview Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, while NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported they've done the same with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier they're expected to speak with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and requested an interview with Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Schefter also reported the Jets requested an interview with San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler included Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in the mix, while Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported the Jets also requested an interview with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Per Schefter, New York also requested to meet with Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.

One notable candidate will be missing during New York's search, with Russini reported Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson isn't in the conversation:

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

In addition to a new head coach, the Jets are searching for their next GM and have gotten that process underway.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported Sunday that New York is "not locked into the traditional approach of hiring a GM before the coach." Ownership could determine that letting the head coach exert more authority over personnel matters is a nice carrot for any prospective targets.

Regardless of whether the coach comes before the GM, the permanent replacement for Robert Saleh will inherit a roster in major flux.

The future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a storyline throughout the season. New York's 5-12 record, Rodgers' age (41), and the general drama that has surrounded his tenure seemingly point toward a separation.

Team owner Woody Johnson told the New York Post's Brian Costello the final decision on any quarterback will be the coach and general manager's to make.

"From a numbers standpoint, he did OK, except for the most important number—winning games," he said in reference to Rodgers. "But that's going to be up to the coach. The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is. That's going to be a very important job for the general manager and the coach — what do we want and when do we get it and what's our timeline. Where does Aaron Rodgers fit into that?"

The fate of wide receiver Davante Adams could be tied to that of Rodgers since keeping the six-time Pro Bowler makes less sense if Rodgers doesn't return. The Jets could save $30 million or $36.3 million toward the salary cap depending on whether they'd make Adams a pre- or post-June 1 cut.

Resolving the long-term future of wideout Garrett Wilson will be another big priority since he's eligible for an extension starting this offseason. The next coach might have to make a compelling pitch to the 2022 first-round pick.

In general, New York's record went far beyond Rodgers' play under center, though that was obviously a factor. The team will have to make a lot of tough choices when identifying who can be a valuable contributor in 2025 and beyond.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson doesn't intend to interfere with whatever decision the incoming head coach and general manager want to do about Aaron Rodgers amid questions about the four-time NFL MVP's future in the NFL.

Speaking to Brian Costello of the New York Post, Johnson said he will leave Rodgers' fate with the Jets up to the incoming regime:

"From a numbers standpoint, [Rodgers] did OK, except for the most important number—winning games. But that's going to be up to the coach. The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is. That's going to be a very important job for the general manager and the coach—what do we want and when do we get it and what's our timeline. Where does Aaron Rodgers fit into that?"

The first question to be answered is whether or not Rodgers will even be playing football in 2025. He acknowledged last week that Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins could be his last in the NFL.

"I'm just more resigned to the reality of the situation," Rodgers told reporters on Jan. 1. "I think there's going to be change here, and if I'm a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here."

Rodgers also said at the time he intends to take time before making any decisions, but he will make a decision either way before the start of free agency in March.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday morning before the Dolphins-Jets game kicked off that "several people" close to Rodgers believe that he will choose to retire.

From @NFLGameDay: #Jets QB Aaron Rodgers sounded like a player who may be playing his last game; Plus, #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is up in the air for next week (if they advance). pic.twitter.com/WkuxndSHfX

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2025

Rodgers didn't offer any hints about his plans during his postgame press conference after throwing four touchdowns in the Jets' 32-20 win over Miami.

"I know I can still play," Rodgers said. "I know I can still do the things I need to do to be successful. It just comes down to the desire on their side and, ultimately, my desire to play. Going to take some time mentally and physically to rest and relax."

The first order of business for the Jets will be hiring a new coach and general manager. They have already interviewed Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera for their head-coaching vacancy. Rex Ryan is expected to interview with the club on Tuesday. They are also putting in interview requests with other candidates, including Arthur Smith, Bobby Slowik, Vance Joseph, Matt Nagy and Joe Brady.

There's no obvious replacement for the Jets at quarterback if Rodgers retires. They own the No. 7 pick in the 2025 draft, which will likely require them to trade up if they like either Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward because there are four teams ahead of them also in need of a new quarterback.

The quarterback free-agent and trade markets look pretty bleak right now, with Sam Darnold potentially the top option available if the Minnesota Vikings elect not to keep him. Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and Daniel Jones are the other top names who could be available.

Rodgers, who turned 41 on Dec. 2, finished this season with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and a 63.0 completion percentage. The Jets would take on a $49 million dead-cap charge if they release him, but that money could be spread out over two seasons if he is designated as a post-June 1 cut.

The New York Jets are beginning to canvas the market for their next general manager.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday the Jets have requested to interview Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi along with Los Angeles Rams senior personnel executive Ray Farmer. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Borgonzi will interview on Wednesday, while Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Philadelphia Eagles GM Alec Halaby will interview on Wednesday.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic later reported that the Jets have also requested an interview with Minnesota Vikings senior vice president of player personnel Ryan Grigson. Pelissero added that Cincinnati Bengals senior personnel executive Trey Brown is also being requested for an interview.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic on Tuesday reported additional candidates the Jets are considering:

For their general manager vacancy, the Jets have interviewed four candidates thus far, none of whom were employed by other NFL teams: former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, former Titans GM Jon Robinson, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, and Senior Bowl executive Jim Nagy. The Jets also have requested an interview with Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM Mike Greenberg and, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, formally requested a virtual interview with Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi, who is expected to be a serious candidate for the job because of his time spent working under Andy Reid and Brett Veach.

Some Jets candidates I've heard in conversations with league sources: Ian Cunningham (Bears assistant GM), Brandon Brown (Giants assistant GM), Mike Martin (Lions director of scouting advancement), Josh Williams (49ers director of scouting and football operations), Ray Farmer (Rams senior personnel executive) and Ryan Grigson (Vikings vice president of player personnel). 

Borgonzi has been with Kansas City for 16 years and assumed his current role in 2021. Before that, he was the Chiefs director of football operations from 2018-20. The MMQB's Albert Breer provided a note as it relates to him and New York's coaching search:

The Jets have submitted a formal request to interview Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi for their GM job, per source. The NYJ brass will be conducting interviews in Florida this week.

Also of note: Borgonzi and Mike Vrabel were together in KC for two years.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 6, 2025

Halaby is in the middle of his 17th season with the Eagles and his third as their assistant GM. He was their vice president of football operations and strategy for the six years before that.Farmer has worked for four different NFL teams and served as the Cleveland Browns general manager in 2014 and 2015.

Whoever replaces Joe Douglas will have a lot on their plate from the moment they take the job.

The Jets are also looking for a head coach after firing Robert Saleh midway through the campaign. Teams typically hire a GM before they hire a coach, though that's not a hard-and-fast rule.

Even if New York chooses a new coach before the general manager, the roster could see a major overhaul between now and Week 1 in 2025.

The future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a storyline throughout the Jets' bitterly disappointing season. Rodgers indicated after Sunday's 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins he'd like to have a quick resolution one way or the other:

Aaron Rodgers on what's next:

"I'm gonna get home and relax.. But I'm not going to hold anybody up. I'll have conversations tomorrow with the Jets to see what they're thinking, and then we will make a decision before it gets too late in the offseason." pic.twitter.com/EZb8Kpt8Yy

— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) January 6, 2025

If the team releases Rodgers, then it stands to reason star wide receiver Davante Adams could be out the door as well. Designating the six-time Pro Bowler as a post-June 1 cut would save $36.3 million against the salary cap for next year.

Regardless of whether Rodgers returns, the front office and coaching staff will presumably try to identify a new long-term solution at quarterback.

New York has the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, which is never an ideal spot to land a top QB in any given draft class. Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter was the choice in Bleacher Report's newest mock draft.

Evaluating the prospects likely to land past Day 1 and hoping to strike gold could be the Jets' approach.

Then there's the matter of a possible extension for wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who's eligible to sign a new contract starting this offseason. He has been coy when discussing his future with the Jets, and this would be the time to trade the 2022 first-rounder if he and the team are at a major impasse.

"I love the Jets. At the end of the day, they were the ones that believed in me. I can't be worrying about all that. Just going to finish these three games the right way."

Garrett Wilson was asked if he would like to stay with the Jets long-term: pic.twitter.com/gEbJKyoamZ

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) December 19, 2024

Looming over all of this is the organizational dysfunction that continues to plague the Jets.

There are only so many GM opportunities that come along in a given offseason, so candidates can't afford to be too selective. Those who have multiple options on the table may have reservations about assuming the challenge the Jets present.

As the New York Jets embark on their search for a new head coach, they reportedly can scratch one top candidate off their list.

Connor Hughes of SNY reported that he's heard that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson "does not have interest in the Jets vacancy, and has made that known."

Hughes' report came after The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the Jets "are not expected to" put in a formal interview request for Johnson, but they're "expected to have interest" in Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Hughes noted that not requesting to interview Johnson indicates the feeling is mutual regarding his lack of interest in New York, and there are "some questions on how he'd handle" being in one of the largest media markets in all of sports.

Johnson has been a popular head coaching candidate for the past few years, but he's chosen to remain in his position in Detroit. His performance this season will make teams desire him even more, as he helped lead the Lions to their second straight NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 15-2 record. The team led the NFL with 33.2 points per game and ranked second with 409.5 total yards per game.

Despite being one of the most coveted options for teams in need of a new head coach, Johnson has made it clear that he would only leave Detroit for the right situation.

"I'm not going to do it just to do it. I love what I'm doing right now. Love it. Love it. I love where I'm at. My family loves where we're at," Johnson told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press in May. "Love the people that we're doing it with, and so I'm not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it's going to unfold."

It's not a surprise that Johnson wouldn't feel good about joining the Jets, as the team has the longest active playoff drought in all major men's North American sports at 14 straight years. New York is also searching for a new general manager this offseason, and it won't be an attractive destination for prospective head coaches until a dependable power structure is established.