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Taking on the pressure of being the head coach of the New York Jets is no easy task. After Robert Saleh’s dismissal just five games into the 2024 season, speculation quickly arose about who would be the next person to lead the franchise. This early-season shake-up sent shockwaves through the NFL, and the odds on who will take over the Jets next season are already heating up.
The focus? None other than Bill Belichick, the legendary coach who guided the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. At 72 years old, Belichick still has an intense desire to coach and is expected to have multiple suitors should he part ways with the Patriots. In fact, many believe Belichick’s days in New England are numbered, and he may be on the lookout for his next challenge.
Belichick’s Odds and the Jets’ Future
According to SportsBetting.ag, Belichick has now emerged as the +200 favorite to replace Saleh, which is a significant shift from earlier in the season when the Jets had the fifth-shortest odds to land him. Just two weeks ago, teams like Dallas and Jacksonville were seen as frontrunners for Belichick’s services, but with the Jets in desperate need of an experienced, culture-changing coach, the odds have swung dramatically in their favor.
Belichick’s stature and reputation make him a highly coveted option, especially for a franchise like the Jets, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2010. If Belichick decides to move on from the Patriots, the Jets’ ownership, led by Woody Johnson, would likely be aggressive in pursuing him.
However, Belichick isn’t the only name being considered. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has 12 games to prove himself as a permanent head coaching candidate, but sportsbooks aren’t giving him much of a chance. Ulbrich’s odds sit at a distant +2000, despite the vote of confidence he received from Johnson.
Top Contenders for the Job
While Belichick leads the odds, there are several other notable names being mentioned as potential replacements for Saleh. One of the closest contenders is Mike Vrabel. The former New England Patriots linebacker and ex-Tennessee Titans head coach has the second-shortest odds at +425. Vrabel recently worked as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns after leaving Tennessee and is seen as a strong candidate for any head coaching opening due to his no-nonsense approach and leadership qualities.
Another strong contender is Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who has become one of the hottest names in coaching circles. Johnson’s ability to turn the Lions’ offense into a powerhouse has earned him the third-best odds at +600, making him a candidate that the Jets’ brass will likely consider as they search for a new leader.
Here’s a quick look at the current favorites to take over the Jets:
- Bill Belichick (+200)
- Mike Vrabel (+425)
- Ben Johnson (+600)
- Bobby Slowik (+800) — The young offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans, who is gaining attention as a potential star in the coaching ranks.
- Todd Monken (+1000) — Offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, with a history of innovative play-calling.
The Jets’ Offensive Struggles and the Coaching Shake-up
Despite entering the season with high expectations after acquiring four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have severely underperformed offensively. The team currently ranks 27th in total offense (286.6 yards per game) and 25th in scoring (18.6 points per game). These dismal stats contributed heavily to Saleh’s firing and have placed even more scrutiny on Nathaniel Hackett, the offensive coordinator.
CBS Sports reported that before Saleh was fired, he was already considering dismissing Hackett. With interim head coach Ulbrich taking over, there is speculation that Hackett’s play-calling duties may be reduced or reassigned. However, Ulbrich hasn’t made any definitive changes yet, opting to evaluate the situation carefully over the coming days.
“We’re going to take a deep dive over the next 36 hours and look at every possibility,” Ulbrich said in a recent press conference. “I don’t foresee changes in titles or roles right now, but we’ll be analyzing how we can improve the process.”
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A Legacy of Disappointment
Since Saleh took over in 2021, the Jets have gone 20-36 with no playoff appearances. For a franchise starved for success, it has been a long, frustrating drought. The Jets last made the playoffs in the 2010 season, losing in the AFC Championship for the second consecutive year. The organization’s instability at head coach is one of the primary reasons for its long playoff absence, cycling through numerous coaches without finding long-term success.
Who Else Could Be in the Running?
Beyond the top three candidates, there are several intriguing long shots that could potentially land the job, depending on how the rest of the season unfolds. Brian Flores (+2000) is an interesting option. Flores, currently the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, previously led the Miami Dolphins and is known for his strong defensive mind and leadership.
Jim Schwartz (+3300), who has NFL head coaching experience and currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, is another possibility.
If the Jets decide to pursue a more offensive-minded candidate, Kellen Moore (+3300), the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, could be a viable choice, especially if the Jets want to rebuild around a creative offensive scheme.
For entertainment purposes, names like Deion Sanders (+25000), Nick Saban (+25000), and even Tony Romo (+25000) have been listed, though these are unlikely to materialize. These names add intrigue to the conversation but aren’t realistic options for the Jets at this point.
What’s Next for the Jets?
The decision on who will become the next head coach of the New York Jets will shape the future of the franchise. With Aaron Rodgers recovering from an Achilles injury, the new coach will not only need to stabilize the team but also make decisions about the quarterback position and the future of the offense. Rodgers’ return in 2025 is a key factor, and finding the right coach to work with him will be crucial to the Jets’ success.
Whether the Jets go after a legendary coach like Bill Belichick or opt for an up-and-comer like Ben Johnson, they’ll need to make a bold decision that brings stability and direction to a franchise that has been searching for both for over a decade.
The race to find the next Jets head coach has only just begun, but one thing is certain: whoever takes over will face the challenge of lifting the Jets out of mediocrity and back into playoff contention.