The Jets are closing in on their next general manager.
The Jets hope to have their new GM hired this week. According to an ESPN report, the Jets will have second interviews with former Bears GM Jerry Angelo, Steelers executive Omar Khan and current Jets assistant GM Scott Cohen. The report also labeled Angelo as a favorite. It is not known whether these will be the only people to get second interviews.
The search for Mike Tannenbaum’s replacement is entering its third week. Tannenbaum was fired on Dec. 31, the day after the Jets’ 6-10 season ended.
The Jets have interviewed 10 candidates for the job, according to sources. ESPN reported they interviewed former Broncos GM Ted Sundquist last week.
They have interviewed: Sundquist, Angelo, Khan, Cohen, Dave Caldwell, Tom Gamble, Marc Ross, Brian Gaine, John Idzik and one candidate that has not been identified. According to a source, the Jets have not interviewed Russ Ball, as has been reported. Caldwell ended up taking the Jaguars GM job.
The Jets also had interest in Tom Telesco and John Dorsey, but neither interviewed. Telesco took the Chargers GM job and Dorsey was hired by the Chiefs as their new GM.
The Jets spoke with Montreal Alouettes GM Jim Popp, but did not formally interview him, according to a source.
It appears the Jets are unsure of what they exactly want in their new GM. Angelo and Cohen both come from a personnel background. Khan is more of a salary cap/contract negotiator for the Steelers. Angelo was the first candidate to interview that had previously been a GM, having run the Bears from 2001-11, helping the Bears get to one Super Bowl in that time.
* Former Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano will interview with the Chiefs for their offensive line coach opening, according to ESPN. Sparano spent one season as the Jets offensive coordinator and was fired last week. The Jets ranked 30th in offense under Sparano’s watch.