Jets coaching search: First candidates approached

The Jets have reportedly approached the teams of three potential head coaching candidates as they move quickly to fill the vacancy following Todd Bowles' firing late last night:

And, also...

And, just now...

This seems like a positive development given how the media had been reporting that the Jets' search was going be narrowly focused on players with an offensive mindset and plenty of head coaching experience. This at least shows that they're exploring all avenues by bringing in some players without head coaching experience, one of whom has a background in defense.

Bienemy and Richard have long been expected to be two of the hot young coaching candidates this offseason, so the Jets should at the very least be looking to bring them in for an interview. However, the immediacy of these reports doesn't necessarily mean they would be the top two candidates, because the Jets wouldn't need to request permission to interview anyone recently fired or out of work.

With the success of the Chiefs and development of Patrick Mahomes this year, Bienemy was always going to have suitors but Richard has also been building his credentials over the past few years in anticipation of getting a coaching shot. Richard is someone the Jets organization has admired for some time and hiring a head coach with a defensive background shouldn't be ruled out because it doesn't preclude the team from also upgrading its offensive staff.

Monken impressed this season by getting some good statistical production out of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay.

Christopher Johnson and Mike Maccagnan will be speaking to the media this afternoon, so we'll pass along anything newsworthy.