Woody Johnson to interview Seahawks candidates before Doug Marrone
Woody Johnson speaks at a press conference held by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, regarding Super Bowl XLVIII, which New York and New Jersey will host at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014. (Oct. 10, 2013) Credit: Getty
Doug Marrone remains at the top of Woody Johnson's list of available head coaches, but an interview hasn't been scheduled, a source said. That's because the Jets first will conduct their previously scheduled interviews with a trio from the Seahawks' organization -- two for the coaching job and one for the general manager's position.
Johnson, who fired coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik on Monday, was in Seattle Thursday night, according to sources, along with consultants Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf. They interviewed Seahawks director of pro personnel Trent Kirchner for the GM vacancy.
Earlier Thursday, they interviewed Browns front-office executive Bill Kuharich.
On Friday, they'll speak to Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and assistant coach/offensive line coach Tom Cable about the coaching job.
Quinn has received a lot of interest. He reportedly met with the 49ers this week, and the Bears and Falcons also have come calling, according to reports.
Although Quinn is on the Jets' radar, Johnson also is keeping a close eye on Marrone. According to Sports Illustrated's Peter King, Johnson spoke with Marrone by telephone Thursday and the conversation "went well.''
The Jets did not confirm that the conversation took place, but Johnson has long been high on Marrone. A face-to-face meeting between the two won't take place until Johnson, Casserly and Wolf return from Seattle, most likely Sunday or Monday.
The Jets' coaching search took a dramatic turn Wednesday night after Marrone, a former Jets offensive line coach, opted out of his contract with the Bills. Suddenly, the Bronx native shot to the top of Johnson's wish list.
The former Syracuse coach is well respected within NFL circles and led the Bills to their first winning season since 2004 in only his second year with them. Buffalo's 9-7 record included two blowouts of the Jets.
Marrone's experience as Jets offensive line coach from 2002-05 bolsters his case, and Casserly is a big supporter of his. The Jets, however, aren't the only team interested in Marrone. According to the New York Post, he has interviews lined up with the Bears and Falcons, who fired Marc Trestman and Mike Smith, respectively, on Monday.
Marrone, who had an opt-out clause in his contract with the Bills (and will be paid $4 million by them even if he coaches another team in 2015), informed his players of his decision via a mass text message after the news already had broken, according to NFL Network. On Thursday, Bill Polian told the Bills he will return to his job as an ESPN analyst instead of taking a front-office job within the organization.
As for Ryan, NFL.com reported that he will interview Sunday for the 49ers' coaching vacancy. He reportedly also will interview with the Falcons.
The Jets lost out on a potential GM hire Thursday, although it wasn't much of a surprise. Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta, who many assume is in line to get Ozzie Newsome's GM job someday, declined the Jets' interview request and will stay in Baltimore.
The Jets have scheduled an interview with Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan. According to a source, he's a strong candidate to replace Idzik. The Jets also have scheduled an interview with Eagles director of pro personnel Rick Mueller.
The Jets also plan to interview Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich for Ryan's old job, but they'll have competition. The Buffalo News reported that Reich, a native of Freeport and a former Jets quarterback, is high on the Bills' list.
