In their quest for a new head coach, the Jets are looking everywhere. However, they added a name to the list on Friday that nobody could have predicted.
NFL Network reported that Mike Locksley, the coach of Maryland, was being interviewed by the Jets. After two seasons working under Nick Saban at Alabama, where he helped guide the team to the 2018 National Championship game, Locksley joined Maryland in 2019.
Best known for creating a culture that players want to be a part of, Locksley was the sixth known applicant to interview for the Jets position. At Maryland, he has continuously been among the top recruiters in the country. And given his lackluster head coaching record, the Jets must be interested in him because of his reputation as a culture creator.
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Locksley has a 33-41 record in six seasons at Maryland, including a 4-8 record in 2024 when Maryland finished first in the Big Ten, behind only Purdue.
Locksley’s previous stint as head coach ended after four games, as he finished 2-26 at New Mexico from 2009 to 2011.
With that, Locksley’s head coaching record now stands at 35-67. Prior to last year, Locksley had guided Maryland to a 23-11 record over the previous three years and three consecutive bowl game victories. He did receive an extension with Maryland prior to the 2023 season.
Maryland has yet to place higher than fourth in the Big Ten, though. It is somewhat surprising that the Jets are meeting with the Maryland coach because of Locksley’s record, which makes it difficult to think that hiring him would be warmly received by already irate Jets supporters.
16 recognized candidates have either been interviewed or have been asked to or are scheduled to be interviewed by the Jets as a result of Locksley’s interview.
On Friday, the Jets are also anticipated to interview Steve Spagnuolo, the defensive coordinator for the Chiefs, virtually.
The complete list of known applicants for the Jets position is available here.
THE HEAD COACH
Scheduled requests and interviews
Bills OC Joe Brady
Brian Flores, DC for the Vikings
QB coach Brian Griese of the 49ers
Vance Joseph, DC for the Broncos
Josh McCown, OC for the Vikings
Saints iterim head coach Darren Rizzi
Bobby Slowik, OC for the Texans
Steve Spagnuolo, DC for the Chiefs
Arthur Smith, OC with the Steelers
Jeff Ulbrich, interim HC and DC for the Jets
Finalized interviews
Mike Locksley, the HC for Maryland
Glenn, Aaron, Lions DC
Matt Nagy, OC for the Chiefs
Former Jets/Bills head coach Rex Ryan
The former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel
Former Panthers HC and Commander Ron Rivera
You can contact Andy Vasquez [email protected].
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