The Jets may be in the market for three new coordinators after this season.
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine turned down a contract extension from the team several months ago, according to a source, meaning he could depart after the season ends.
It could be an active offseason for the Jets staff. Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano is on thin ice after a dismal season and longtime special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff has said he will retire at the end of the year.
Pettine came to the Jets in 2009 with Rex Ryan from the Ravens. He has overseen a defense that has finished No. 1, 3, 5 in the NFL and is currently ranked No. 8.
The question always has been how much input Pettine actually has with the defense. Ryan, a lifetime defensive coach, is heavily involved. According to sources, Ryan took back much of the play-calling from Pettine this season after allowing him to do more in 2011.
Pettine may have turned down the extension with the idea of escaping Ryan’s shadow. If he wants to become a head coach, Petttine needs to go to another team and prove he can do it without Ryan.
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The 46-year-old is not considered a head-coaching candidate, according to league sources. There will be a lot of coaching turnover after the season and Pettine easily could land a coordinator job somewhere.
Ryan would not comment on Pettine’s contract status. General manager Mike Tannenbaum also declined to comment through a team spokesman.
“We never discuss contracts or any of that type of stuff until after the season,” Ryan said.
Ryan touted Pettine as a head-coaching candidate the same way he did former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer last year before the team kicked him to the curb.
Ryan also disagreed with the idea that Pettine operates in his shadow.
“You have to understand it’s not just my defense,” Ryan said. “This is our defense, the New York Jets defense and everybody contributes.”
If Pettine departs, the top in-house candidate to replace him would be defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman, another longtime Ryan lieutenant.