Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Reports: Jets’ search heats up with interview requests

The New York Jets requested interviews with at least a half-dozen coordinators and other assistants as their coaching search intensified Monday, per multiple reports.

Offensive coordinators Arthur Smith (Steelers), Bobby Slowik (Texans) and Joe Brady (Bills), defensive coordinators Aaron Glenn (Lions) and Vance Joseph (Broncos), and quarterbacks coach Brian Griese (49ers) were candidates named in multiple reports.

The Jets (5-12) fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start this season and went 3-9 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

In addition, the Jets reportedly completed first interviews with former two-time head coach Ron Rivera and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Smith, 42, is in his first season with Pittsburgh after posting three consecutive 7-10 seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-23.

Smith’s Steelers, who will visit the Baltimore Ravens for a wild-card game on Saturday night, finished the regular season ranked 16th in scoring (22.4 points per game) and 23rd in total offense (319.4 yards per game).

Slowik, 37, is in his second season with the Texans after working as an assistant for the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan from 2017-22. The Texans were 19th in scoring (21.9) and 22nd in total offense (319.7).

Brady, 35, joined the Buffalo staff in 2022 and is in his first full season as the offensive coordinator. The Bills ranked second in scoring (30.9) and 10th in total offense (359.1).

Glenn, 52, has been the Lions’ DC since 2021. Detroit finished seventh in the league this season in scoring defense (20.1) and 20th in total defense (342.4).

Joseph, 52, compiled an 11-21 record in two seasons as head coach of the Broncos from 2017-18. In his second season as head coach Sean Payton’s DC in 2024, Denver finished third in scoring defense (18.3) and seventh in total defense (317.1).

Griese, 49, just finished his third season coaching the San Francisco quarterbacks. He was a QB in the league for 11 seasons with four teams from 1998-2008, earning one Pro Bowl selection.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) gains yards after catch as Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) pursues during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers throws four TDs as Jets beat Dolphins

In what might have been the final game of his Hall of Fame career, Aaron Rodgers threw a season-high four touchdown passes and reached a career milestone while leading the host New York Jets to a 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

Rodgers completed 23 of 36 passes for 274 yards, threw an interception and finished with a 112.5 passer rating as the Jets (5-12) played spoiler against their longtime AFC East rivals. Even before the time expired, Miami (8-9) was eliminated from playoff contention once the Denver Broncos beat the Kansas Chiefs to clinch the AFC’s final wild-card berth.

The Dolphins missed the postseason after making it each of the past two seasons.

Rodgers’ first touchdown pass on Sunday was the 500th of his career. He tossed a 5-yarder to Tyler Conklin with 7:57 left in the second quarter to put the Jets ahead 7-6.

Rodgers became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach the 500 touchdown pass mark, joining Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508).

Rodgers would follow that with touchdown passes to two of his former Green Bay teammates — Allen Lazard and Davante Adams. The latter was a 4-yard connection to Adams in the back of the end zone with 10:24 left in the fourth quarter to put the Jets ahead 23-15.

Tyler Huntley started at quarterback for the Dolphins for the second consecutive week as Tua Tagovailoa sat out again with a hip injury. Huntley’s fifth start in relief of Tagovailoa didn’t go nearly as well as last week’s win at Cleveland, however, as he threw a pair of costly interceptions and lost a fumble. The Jets’ defense forced four turnovers overall.

Huntley completed 25 of 41 passes for 227 yards and found Jonnu Smith for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 5:21 to go to cut New York’s lead to 25-20. It was Smith’s eighth touchdown catch of the season, setting a new franchise record for a tight end. De’Von Achane ran for 121 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

The Jets sealed the outcome on Rodgers’ final touchdown toss — a 6-yarder to Breece Hall with 2:30 left.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates after throwing his 500th touchdown pass during the second quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers reaches 500-TD milestone

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers became the fifth player to throw 500 career touchdown passes when he connected with Tyler Conklin on a 5-yard scoring pass in the second quarter of New York’s season-ending contest against the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

The milestone touchdown throw comes in what could be the final game of Rodgers’ 20-year NFL career.

Rodgers joins Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508) in the exclusive club.

Conklin, a tight end, found a crease in the end zone and was wide open when Rodgers connected with him with 7:57 left in the second quarter. Rodgers joined his celebrating teammates in the end zone and Conklin gave him the ball.

Rodgers threw No. 501 later in the second quarter when he hit wide receiver Allen Lazard on a 13-yard touchdown pass for a 15-6 lead on the Dolphins in East Rutherford, N.J.

The 41-year-old Rodgers tossed 475 touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers and the rest have come with the Jets.

Rodgers’ future is a huge topic. He has said he is unsure if he will play a 21st season, while indicating it probably won’t be with the Jets if he decides to play in 2025.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) reacts front field after theme against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip) doubtful to play against Jets

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets and considered highly unlikely to play.

This will be the second straight start Tagovailoa will miss. Tyler Huntley is slated to start the contest.

“We’ll approach it like Snoop’s starting,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said, referencing Huntley by his nickname. “It looks like the way that I approached the week (before) was probably smart. I see it as unlikely that Tua will see any action.”

The Dolphins (8-8) need a win to have any chance of making the playoffs, but McDaniel doesn’t feel the injury is something Tagovailoa can play through.

“A bruise would be like pain tolerance,” McDaniel said. “That’s something that I think Tua wishes it was just a pain issue. It’s quite literally being able to have the strength to do what we ask him to do, as well as protecting himself from very serious injury if we don’t treat it appropriately. I wouldn’t say it’s a bruise, but it’s a unique muscle issue as a result of the hip.”

Tagovailoa told reporters on Friday that he is frustrated to be dealing with an injury while the team’s playoffs hopes are on the line.

He told reporters that he would definitely play if the Dolphins have a playoff game next week. Miami must beat the Jets and have the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs for the Dolphins to make the postseason field.

“If the cards play out the way they should, and the way we know and think they can, I’m going to be available next week,” Tagovailoa said. “There’s no ifs, ands, or buts. I’ll be playing for sure.”

Tagovaiola missed four games earlier in the season due to a concussion but has played well when healthy by passing for 2,867 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games. He has completed a league-leading 72.9 percent of his passes.

Sunday would mark Huntley’s fifth start of the season. He has passed for 602 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while going 2-2 as the starter. He has also rushed for two scores.

Miami linebacker Anthony Walker (knee) will miss the contest. Receivers Tyreek Hill (wrist/illness), Jaylen Waddle (knee) and Dee Eskridge (finger) are questionable, as are left tackle Terron Armstead (knee), defensive tackle Calais Campbell (neck) and safety Jevon Holland (wrist).

Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring) will miss the contest.

–Field Level Media

Apr 11, 2024; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Former NFL coach Ron Rivera looks on during the first round of the Masters Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Jets interview Ron Rivera for head coach, Louis Riddick for GM

The New York Jets said Thursday that they completed interviews with Ron Rivera for their head coaching vacancy and Louis Riddick for their general manager job.

The Jets have gotten the hiring process underway after firing coach Robert Saleh in October and GM Joe Douglas the next month.

Rivera, 62, spent this season as an analyst for ESPN and Westwood One after serving as an NFL head coach for the previous 13 seasons. Rivera coached the Carolina Panthers from 2011-19 and the Washington Football Team/Commanders from 2020-23.

His record sat at 102-103-2 overall and 26-40-1 with the Commanders when he was fired following the 2023 season. Rivera guided the Panthers to a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl appearance in 2015.

Riddick, 55, has been with ESPN since 2013 and has interviewed for GM vacancies in recent years, most recently with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2021 season.

The former NFL defensive back (1992-96, 1998) worked as a scout and director of pro personnel for Washington from 2001-07, and as a scout and front office executive for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2008-13.

New York has already interviewed Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson and Jim Nagy for the GM job.

The Jets (4-12) have Jeff Ulbrich as their interim head coach and Phil Savage as their general manager as they wrap a disappointing season. The new regime will have to decide whether to cut ties with Aaron Rodgers or move forward with the 41-year-old quarterback for a third season.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera (M) leaves the field after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Report: Jets to interview two-time head coach Ron Rivera

The New York Jets will interview former two-time head coach Ron Rivera this week for their vacancy, NFL Network reported Monday.

The Jets are set to begin searches to replace coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, both of whom the team fired during the season. The Jets are one of three teams — joining the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears — that fired their head coach in-season. More vacancies are expected after the Week 18 finale next week.

Rivera, 62, was fired by the Washington Commanders last January after a 4-13 season and a four-year mark of 26-40-1. Under Rivera, Washington made one playoff appearance, which came from winning the NFC East in 2020 with a 7-9 mark.

Rivera is 102-103-2 in 13 seasons as head coach of the Carolina Panthers (2011-19) and Commanders.

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan said Monday he expects to interview with the club as well. Ryan, who went 46-50 in six seasons as Jets head coach from 2009-14, told ESPN New York radio that he has not had any conversations with the club, however.

Ryan, 62, also went 15-16 in two seasons as head coach of the Buffalo Bills (2015-16).

The Jets fell to 4-12 — 2-9 under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich — after a 40-14 loss to the Bills on Sunday. The Jets finish the season this week at home vs. the Miami Dolphins.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (22) tries to maneuver past New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Josh Allen, Bills crush Jets, secure No. 2 seed in AFC

Josh Allen passed for two touchdowns and rushed for one more as the Buffalo Bills clobbered the New York Jets 40-14 on Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park, N.Y.

The Bills clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC with the victory.

Allen was showered with “M-V-P” chants after putting the game away with a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes — a 30-yard connection with Amari Cooper and a 14-yard strike to a leaping Keon Coleman with 12 seconds left in the frame.

Those scores sandwiched a 1-yard touchdown run by James Cook. Buffalo (13-3) took a 33-0 lead into the fourth quarter thanks to its 21-point third.

Allen, who turned things over to backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky for the final 15 minutes, finished with 182 yards on 16-for-27 passing. Trubisky hit Tyrell Shavers for a 69-yard TD on his first pass of the contest to make it 40-0 with 12:37 to go.

It marked Shavers’ first career catch.

The Bills’ defense was in the spotlight just as much as Allen, forcing three turnovers and racking up four sacks. Aaron Rodgers struggled under center for New York (4-12), completing 12 of 18 passes for 112 yards. He was picked off twice.

Second-string signal-caller Tyrod Taylor broke the shutout with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson with 6:59 left in the game. The Jets proceeded to convert a two-point try to trim their deficit to 40-8.

Wilson hauled in seven receptions for 66 yards and the TD.

Tyler Conklin grabbed a 20-yard touchdown with 1:55 remaining to complete the scoring. Taylor ended up with 83 yards and the two TDs on 11-of-14 passing.

A.J. Epenesa gave the Bills a boost just before the break, sacking Rodgers for a safety that put Buffalo up 9-0 with 2:31 remaining in the second quarter.

Tyler Bass extended the Bills’ lead with a 39-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.

The teams combined for five penalties on the game’s first drive, with a 5-yard defensive pass interference call setting Buffalo up at the Jets 1. Allen then got pushed into the end zone for his franchise-record-tying 65th rushing touchdown.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) stiff arms New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Bills not satisfied with recent play, aim to be better vs. Jets

The playoff-bound Buffalo Bills are far from satisfied.

It’s been four weeks since Buffalo punched its ticket to the postseason, but the Bills still have plenty of work to do as they prepare for a meeting with the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Buffalo (12-3) believes it has room for improvement on both sides of the ball after being tested by the 3-12 Patriots last week. Most of the Bills’ struggles came on the defensive end, as New England jumped out to a 14-0 lead and converted 7 of 12 third downs for the game.

A string of 24 consecutive points allowed Buffalo to escape with a 24-21 victory, but Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich wants to make sure New York (4-11) has a hard time extending drives.

“Certainly we’re not where we need to be or where we want to be, and we’re constantly looking to get that corrected,” Babich said of Buffalo’s third-down defense. “It’s a combination of us putting our players, and me specifically, putting the players in position to be successful and understand how they’re going to get attacked.”

The Bills are also hoping to get wide receiver Amari Cooper going. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns in October, Cooper has 17 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in seven games with Buffalo. He had just one catch for 10 yards against the Patriots.

“We’re better when Amari Cooper is out on the football field,” Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady said. “I got to do a better job of getting the ball in his hands, because he helps us.”

While Buffalo gears up for a playoff run, the Jets are trying to put a disappointing season to bed.

New York once had aspirations of winning the AFC East, dreams that the Bills shattered by running away with the division. A 19-9 setback against the Los Angeles Rams last weekend dropped the Jets to 1-5 over their past six games, but finishing strong is still important to linebacker Jamien Sherwood.

“There are only two weeks (remaining). There is no reason for anybody to be checked out,” Sherwood said. “You have two full weeks of football left and preparation and go out there and put your best tape on the line.

“In these final moments in seasons like this, it shows what type of person you are, what type of player you are.”

Any sense of optimism New York still holds took a bit of a hit earlier this week, though, as veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers noted that his future with the Jets is a big question mark.

While appearing on the “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, Rodgers joked about team owner Woody Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, cutting him at season’s end. The Athletic had reported that Johnson takes advice from his kin, and Rodgers might not be in their plans for 2025.

“You should ask Woody,” Rodgers said Tuesday when asked if he thought Johnson wants to stick with the 41-year-old next season.

Rodgers is dealing with a knee injury but would have practiced in full on Wednesday had the Jets gotten a session in. Wide receiver Davante Adams (hip), offensive linemen Morgan Moses (knee) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and cornerbacks Michael Carter II (back) and Sauce Gardner (hamstring) were among those who would have sat out.

Buffalo also didn’t practice on Wednesday, turning in an estimated injury report. Five Bills were listed as limited, including safety Damar Hamlin (rib) and linebacker Matt Milano (biceps, groin).

–Field Level Media

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) limps off the field during a play where it appeared he had gotten injured, Sunday, December 22, 2024, in East Rutherford. Rodgers was back on the field during Gang GreenÕs next possession.

Aaron Rodgers on his Jets future: ‘You should ask Woody’

Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that if he plays a 21st NFL season in 2025, he’d like to do so with the New York Jets. But he’s tried to turn the spotlight on the team’s owner, Woody Johnson, when the topic of his future arises.

Asked Tuesday whether he believes the organization wanted him back next year following another disappointing campaign, Rodgers acknowledged that several decision-makers have to be put in place before the Jets plan their future. New York fired coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the season.

“There’s a GM that has to get hired, I would assume first, and then he’s going to be part of hiring the head coach,” Rodgers said, “so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the GM and then the head coach.”

Rodgers was asked if he believes Johnson wants him to return.

“You should ask Woody,” Rodgers said, later adding that he and the owner have not had any conversations about his future with Gang Green.

His comments to reporters came one day after his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he also discussed his playing future and seemed to poke fun at Johnson.

“Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first,” Rodgers said with a laugh Monday. “So, hey, I’m open to everything and I find the comedy in all of it. If that happens, hey, it’s a great story.”

Rodgers was referring to a report by The Athletic last week that said Johnson has been swayed by advice from his teenage sons, Brick and Jack, including about whether to pursue trades for certain players.

The Jets would absorb a $49 million dead cap hit if they release or trade Rodgers this offseason.

After his first season with New York was ruined four snaps into Week 1 when he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, Rodgers has thrown for 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions this year as the Jets have gone 4-11.

Rodgers is playing through an MCL injury but said Tuesday there was “no way” he wouldn’t play in the Jets’ Week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Olu Fashanu (74) blocks against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jets rookie OL Olu Fashanu (foot) out for season

New York Jets offensive lineman Olu Fashanu’s rookie season is over due to a foot injury, the team confirmed Tuesday.

The 2024 first-round draft will be placed on injured reserve with plantar fasciitis. The injury will not require surgery.

“His season is done,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “… It’s unfortunate. He was having a great rookie season.”

Selected 11th overall out of Penn State, the 22-year-old Fashanu played in 15 games (seven starts) and was on the field for 533 snaps on offense and 51 snaps on special teams.

He was injured during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 19-9 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

–Field Level Media