After the Jets season cam to an end, New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan sat down with the media to discuss the season and the team's plan for the offseason. In that press conference, Ryan said that he felt offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer had a 50/50 shot of coming back to the Jets in 2012 because he could take a head coaching position.
I'll say this, I hope Brian the best as he goes for the interview here in Jacksonville. I mentioned last week, I think it's a 50/50 deal whether Brian is back here or not because I think he'll be a head coach. He's got everything it takes to be a successful head coach in this league. I think it starts with pedigree, but more importantly, here is a guy that's been successful. He knows how to develop players, and we have gone to back‑to‑back AFC Championship games. A lot of that is due to his work ethic, which I think is tremendous.
According to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, Schottenheimer has interviewed with the Jaguars and has a "legitimate chance" at becoming the new head coach in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are likely looking for an offensive minded coach that will be able to help quarterback Blaine Gabbert make a better transition from college to the NFL in his second season.
Cimini also believes Schottenheimer could get the job because of his possible competition.
Plus, it's not like he's competing against a who's who? of coaching candidates. Various reports have linked Mike Mularkey (Falcons), Mike McCoy (Broncos), Rob Chudzinski (Panthers) and Jay Gruden (Bengals) to the vacancy. Interim coach Mel Tucker also interviewed.
For constant updates on this situation, watch for Jets news on Gang Green Nation and for Jaguars news head to Big Cat Country.