Potential offensive coordinator candidates for the Jets

Let’s take a look at some of the names who could emerge as the next Jets offensive coordinator. Some of these guys might not ultimately be candidates, and other names could emerge.

The big name candidates

Todd Haley

2017 Job: Steelers offensive coordinator

Ties to Todd Bowles: Worked together with Jets under Al Groh (2000) and Cowboys under Bill Parcells (2005-2006)

Ties to Jets: Former scouting assistant (1995-1996); Former wide receivers coach (1997-2000)

Key points: Hours before the Jets fired John Morton, news broke that Haley was not returning to Pittsburgh leading to speculation he could be on his way to New York. Haley’s track record as a coordinator for his work in Arizona and Pittsburgh is excellent, although he had a ton of talent to work with in both stops. It would be a bit odd to see the Jets fire Morton in part due to reported personality clashes. Haley has carried a reputation for being difficult to work with at every stop of his career.

Chances of being the Jets’ next coordinator: If the Jets are going to land a big fish, it probably will be Haley. He is looking for a new job and has a working relationship with Bowles.

John DeFilippo

2017 job: Eagles quarterbacks coach

Ties to Todd Bowles: None known

Ties to Jets: Former assistant quarterbacks coach (2009)

Key points: DeFilippo is one of the hottest young names in football right now as Carson Wentz’s position coach. He has been tied to a number of job openings both as a potential offensive coordinator and as a head coach. He was a candidate to run the Jets offense when Todd Bowles was hired in 2015. Last year, the Jets wanted to interview him but were turned down.

Chances of being the Jets’ next coordinator: Slim. DeFilippo might end up being hired as Arizona’s next head coach. If he doesn’t, he will have options. As the new hot young coach in the NFL, one would presume he won’t be interested in a situation as unsettled as the Jets.

The internal option candidate

Jeremy Bates

2017 job: Jets quarterbacks coach

Ties to Todd Bowles: Has worked on Bowles’ staff for a year

Ties to Jets: Former (2005) and current (2017-present) quarterbacks coach

Key points: The Jets brought Bates back to the NFL after a four year absence from coaching. Reports indicate the Jets are very high on him. He hasn’t coordinated an offense since the Seahawks in 2010, but there was a time about a decade where he was viewed as one of the bright rising stars of the coaching ranks.

Chances of being the Jets’ next coordinator: At this early hour, my guess is he is the fallback option if the Jets do not land Haley.

Last year’s candidates

George Godsey

2017 job: Lions defensive assistant/special projects

Ties to Todd Bowles: None known

Ties to Jets: None

Key points: Godsey worked with the Lions last year in a defensive capacity, but his background is on the offensive side of the ball. He worked with the Patriots for three years before moving to Bill O’Brien’s staff in Houston for three years, the last two were offensive coordinator. He paid with his job for the Brock Osweiler experience in Houston. He was reportedly the other finalist a year ago when the Jets hired Morton.

Chances of being the Jets’ next coordinator: I’m sure he’d be interested. The Lions are in the middle of making his coaching change, which could put his job in jeopardy. Would the Jets be interested, though? They did pass on him last time.

Eric Studesville

2017 job: Broncos assistant head coach/running backs coach

Ties to Todd Bowles: None known

Ties to Jets: None

Key points: Studesville was a long-time running backs coach in Denver, working under four different head coaches. He interviewed for the Jets’ job last year but pulled his name out of the running shortly after.

Chances of being the Jets’ next coordinator: It’s a real long-shot. Studesville was just announced as the new running backs coach of the Dolphins.

The “in your dreams” candidate

Bruce Arians

2017 job: Cardinals head coach

Ties to Todd Bowles: Bowles’ college coach at Temple; worked with Bowles on Cleveland Browns staff (2001-2003); Bowles’ boss with Cardinals (2013-2014)

Ties to Jets: None

Key points: Arians has over four decades of coaching experience in major college football and the NFL. He has overseen excellent offenses and the development of numerous quality quarterbacks.

Chances of being the Jets’ next coordinator: Zero. Arians just retired as Cardinals head coach because he wanted an easier lifestyle. He doesn’t want to work full-time. You might see him in Jets training camp in an informal role next year, though, due to his relationship with Bowles.