An important lesson learned in life is that it is better to underpromise and overdeliver than to overpromise and underdeliver. The latter could be the perfect description for the 2024 New York Jets. The Jets went 7-10 in 2022 after winning just four games in 2021; Fans were excited about the future of Robert Saleh’s team. However, the team rushed to give Aaron Rodgers his “Tampa Tom” chapter in his career. On paper it should have worked. But a torn Achilles tendon changed that. Now, a weakened Rodgers leads an anemic offense and a defense that looks lost without Robert Saleh and Jermaine Johnson. In 2025, this team will have many questions; with a new head coach at the top of the list. The New York Jets will have options for the head coaching position next year.

Groundbreaking: Jets head coaching options for 2025

After Super Bowl ambitions quickly faded this year, the New York Jets will likely begin the 2025 season and hopefully begin a rebuild. So far, a 2-6 record entering November was the worst-case scenario possible, exacerbated by the questionable firing of Robert Saleh in the search for a new head coach in Jeff Ulbrich. Whoever takes the job, one would hope Aaron Rodgers wants to leave the sport behind him. Aaron may want to prove his critics wrong because too many missed opportunities on the field aren’t worth the controversy off the field. Father Time has shown that things can get ugly for star quarterbacks over 40 unless your name is Tom Brady.

However, the future doesn’t look so bleak for the rest of the Jets roster. Although they may lose Rodgers and Davante Adams, the team has long-term cap space after 2026. With 21 players heading into free agency, DJ Reed is the only one who remains a priority signing. The defense has a future star edge rusher duo in Jermaine Johnson and breakout player Will McDonald IV. The offense will still struggle, but a mobile quarterback can make life easier for the offensive line. There were too many missed reads by Rodgers that could have turned into big plays if there had been a QB with good pocket mobility under center. Luckily, there are plenty of offensive head coach options on the market to choose from.

Ben Johnson: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

Ben Johnson is arguably the greatest debut head coach in the league right now. The up-and-coming 38-year-old offensive coordinator was a key component in the Detroit Lions’ recapture. Johnson has spent the last 12 seasons working in the league between the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions. When he reunited with former Dolphins assistant and friend Dan Campbell, they worked together to build a top-five offense in the sport, resulting in the Lions’ first playoff win since 1990. Working with quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill, Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, Johnson has shown the ability to get the most out of his offense. Although there will be no shortage of applicants, one has to expect that Woody Johnson will campaign strongly for him.

Bobby Slowik: Houston Texans offensive coordinator

While Ben Johnson is the big fish on the market, Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is also a popular name. With the rise of CJ Stroud in Houston, the 37-year-old coach has gained fans across the league. Bobby, the son of veteran defensive coordinator Bob Slowik, was a longtime assistant to Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. Slowik spent six years with the 4ers team, working closely with Jimmy Garroppolo and Brock Purdy. He also served as a defensive assistant for five seasons, including two years directly under then-defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. His experience on both sides of the ball makes him a promising candidate and one of my favorite options for the job.

Todd Monken: Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator

Todd Monken is a more experienced name on this list, but his career resurgence since 2020 has been impressive. A veteran college coach and coordinator, Monken returned to the NFL after leading Georgia’s offense to back-to-back national championships. His arrival in Baltimore was a huge advantage for Lamar Jackson. The Ravens quarterback played the best football of his career thanks to Monken’s revitalized passing game. Monken, 58, hasn’t been a head coach since his tenure at Southern Miss more than a decade ago. But given his recent college experience and the improvements in Baltimore’s offense, this could be enough to land him his first head coaching job.

Aaron Glenn: Detroit Lions defensive coordinator

Ben Johnson would be a great coach, but he’s not the only coordinator in Detroit drawing interest. Aaron Glenn has an impressive coaching resume after retiring in 2009. The three-time Pro Bowl cornerback beloved by Jets fans in the 1990s has developed into a talented defensive coordinator. He worked under Mike Pettine in Cleveland, Sean Payton in New Orleans and, in his fourth year, with Campbell in Detroit. The Lions’ defense has steadily improved under his watch, particularly with the help of Aidan Hutchinson. He also spent two seasons as a scout in the Jets’ front office. Fans might scoff at the idea of ​​hiring another defensive-minded head coach. But who better to help the Jets turn things around than a fan favorite who witnessed firsthand a successful rebuild in the late ’90s?

Joe Brady: Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

Our final candidate is one the Jets know all too well. After a difficult time with Matt Rhule in Carolina, offensive coordinator Joe Brady is back on the radar. After placing emphasis on their running game and getting Josh Allen to distribute the ball, the Buffalo Bills’ offense has improved significantly under Brady. At 35 years old, Brady has an impressive resume for someone his age. He spent two seasons as an assistant with the Saints before helping LSU win a national championship in 2019. Brady is credited with playing a significant role in the development of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Despite his lack of experience, he could be a significant addition that could revolutionize their offense in 2025.

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