The New York Jets conducted an interview with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Thursday for their head coach position. Smith, who previously served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023, became the 11th known coaching candidate to engage in discussions with the Jets. Alongside Smith, the Jets have also interviewed a roster of coaching prospects, including Aaron Glenn, Vance Joseph, Mike Locksley, Matt Nagy, Ron Rivera, Darren Rizzi, Rex Ryan, Steve Spagnuolo, Jeff Ulbrich, and Mike Vrabel. Notably, Mike Vrabel has recently secured a coaching role with the New England team.
Looking ahead, the Jets are set to meet with additional coaching candidates, with Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley expected to join the interview process shortly. At 42 years old, Smith stands out as a prominent contender for the Jets’ coaching position, having been a top candidate during the team’s previous search in 2021, which ultimately led to the hiring of Robert Saleh. Following his time with the Falcons, Smith transitioned to the Steelers last year under the leadership of Mike Tomlin, where he played a crucial role in enhancing the team’s offensive performance, particularly with Russell Wilson at quarterback.
Prior to his tenure with the Steelers, Smith accumulated significant experience during his decade-long tenure with the Tennessee Titans, culminating in his role as offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020. Notably, he also contributed to Washington’s coaching staff as a defensive quality control coach, balancing his professional journey with college coaching stints at North Carolina in 2006 and Mississippi in 2010.
In parallel to their pursuit of a head coach, the Jets are diligently searching for a new general manager. The team has already engaged with a diverse pool of 15 candidates for this critical role, including notable figures such as Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan and Miami Dolphins assistant general manager Brian Gaine. The comprehensive search underscores the Jets’ commitment to assembling a strong leadership team capable of driving the organization forward in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
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