Rex Ryan’s search for an offensive coordinator to head the Jets’ new “attacking offense” has begun.
Stanford offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton will be interviewed for the job tomorrow or Tuesday, according to CBSSports.com. Hamilton is the fourth name to surface for the job.
The Jets also are considering former Ravens coordinator Cam Cameron, Eagles coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and Bengals assistant Hue Jackson, according to a source. It is unclear whether they have interviews scheduled yet.
The Jets probably will not hire a coordinator until they hire a general manager, which is expected to come this week.
Cameron is viewed as the favorite. Ryan worked with Cameron and Jackson on the 2008 Ravens staff. Ryan has spoken highly of both in the past when he has faced them.
Hamilton, 38, is an intriguing candidate, the least experienced of the group. Cameron, Jackson and Mornhinweg all have been head coaches in the NFL. Hamilton never has been a coordinator in the league. He worked for three years with the Jets on Herm Edwards’ staff, with one year as the quarterbacks coach. He also worked as the quarterbacks coach for the 49ers in 2006 and the Bears from 2007-09.
ESPN reported former Bears coach Lovie Smith would like to hire Hamilton if he lands another head coaching job. Hamilton spent the past two years running the offense at Stanford. The Cardinal finished 11th in in the nation in total offense last season.
Cameron, 51, was fired by the Ravens last month when the team’s offense sputtered. He was the offensive coordinator for the Chargers from 2002-06 and the head coach of the Dolphins in 2007. The Ravens finished 16th in total offense this season and never finished higher than 13th in yards per game during his time there. Their lowest ranking was 22nd.
Jackson, 47, spent last season working with the defensive backs and special teams for the Bengals after getting fired in 2011 after one year as head coach of the Raiders. Jackson reportedly also is up for the Panthers’ coordinator job. Jackson was the quarterbacks coach for the Ravens in 2008 when Ryan was there.
Mornhinweg, 50, has spent the past seven seasons as the Eagles coordinator. Philadelphia had some success during his time there, but head coach Andy Reid was always running the offense. Mornhinweg was head coach of the Lions in 2001-02.
* Pro Football Talk reported another GM candidate for the Jets. Russ Ball, the Packers vice president of football administration/player finance, interviewed for the job already, according to the site.
* A source confirmed former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is taking two assistants with him to Buffalo: assistant defensive line coach Anthony Weaver and assistant defensive backs coach Jim O’Neil.