Detroit Lions NewsNews » Report: Spagnuolo tops Jets' coaching wish list |
| Report: Spagnuolo tops Jets' coaching wish list | |
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 One of the first calls that Jet management made, only hours after firing Eric Mangini on Monday, was to the crosstown rival Giants.
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It did not take long for the Jets to identify Steve Spagnuolo, the Giants' defensive coordinator, as a candidate for their head coaching job.
And when Bill Cowher bowed out Tuesday, Spagnuolo shot to the top of the list.
The 49-year-old is expected to interview with the Jets Saturday — but Gang Green has plenty of competition for his services.
Spagnuolo interviewed with the Lions and Browns Thursday, and is scheduled to meet with the Broncos Saturday when he finishes with the Jets.
"You can't argue with what the Giants have done defensively under Steve Spagnuolo," said former Jet quarterback Boomer Esiason, now a CBS football analyst.
"I could see how Jets fans could say that would be a hell of a head coach."
The Jets also plan to contact former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan to gauge his interest, the Newark Star-Ledger reported Thursday, citing a person with knowledge of the team's coaching search. "But it's not like he's a shoo-in if he's interested," the source told the paper.
Dealing with an angry fan base and with PSLs to sell, the Jets need this hire to go over well with their fans. Once Cowher declined to even meet with the Jets, Spagnuolo quickly became the team's top target.
"It's got to be near the top of the list for a number of reasons," ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski said. "First and foremost, there's a core of a good football team there. The first thing a coach is going to ask is, 'What am I stepping into?'
"You can see there's a lot of good people on that football team. Whoever comes in will inherit a good core. You have an incredible new facility, a new stadium, New York City. I think all those things would be exciting for a new coach."
Of course, there is that one big question mark. Here's a hint: He wears Wranglers ... and No. 4.
Brett Favre's future is the cloud hanging over the Jets' Florham Park facility. His Jet teammates have ripped him publicly on and off the record this week. Cowher wanted no part of him. Now prospective coaches are all going to want to know what the Jets' plans are for Favre.
"They've got to know what the Brett Favre situation is," said Jaworski.
"We've seen this play out in Green Bay the last few seasons. The quarterback position is the most important position on a football team. You've got to know who's going to be there. It will affect free agency, the draft. Whoever comes in, they may want an answer to the Favre situation before they will consider the job.
"I'm not sure any new coach is going to be looking at a 40-year-old quarterback."
On the surface, the Favre trade ended up costing the Jets a third-round pick, but it may prove much costlier in their coaching search.
"It turned out to be a decision that ultimately cost Eric Mangini his job," Esiason said. "You think one of these other coaches will be able to control him? I'm telling you, he will not be the starting quarterback of the Jets next season."
Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: January 2, 2009
