The New York Jets might pursue a high-profile option for their next head coach in 2025.
ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler suggested that he “wouldn’t” be surprised if the Jets explored hiring Colorado head coach Deion Sanders for their vacancy this offseason.
A league source recently told Fowler, “I think [NFL] teams will want to hear what he has to say.”
Sanders Would Be a Bold Addition
Bringing Sanders on board would be a major gamble. At 57, Sanders has spent eight years coaching at the high school level and transitioned to college coaching thereafter.
He led Jackson State for three seasons, achieving a 27-6 record with two bowl losses. In December 2022, Sanders took the head coaching role at Colorado, where he currently holds a 13-11 record over two seasons.
Though he has no NFL coaching experience, Sanders boasts an impressive resume as a player, analyst, and a figure with deep connections in the professional football world.
During his 14-year playing career, Sanders earned two Super Bowl rings and was nicknamed “Prime Time” for his electrifying personality and charisma.
While his hiring would be a risky move for the Jets, some see his leadership potential as a key strength.
“If you’re focused on finding a dynamic leader, he certainly provides that as a strength,” an industry source told ESPN.
“I think he’s capable, but [he] would need a strong front office to support him,” an AFC executive added.
Latest Info on Jets GM/HC Search in 2025
NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero shared updates on the Jets’ coaching search for 2025.
“The team hired a first-year head coach and a first-year GM last time, and this time figure to go for experience in at least one of the spots. Because of the talent base, the interest in the position is expected to be significant, even with a major QB question looming,” the NFL Media Group reported.
Jets Owner Woody Johnson has largely avoided hiring head coaches with prior NFL experience, with Adam Gase in 2019 being the lone exception. However, after several failed attempts with first-time head coaches, the team may now shift its strategy.
Despite criticisms of the Jets’ head coaching vacancy, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranked it as the second-worst job among nine expected openings, the NFL Network duo noted that interest in the position remains “significant.”
“After interviewing three GM candidates — former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, former Titans GM Jon Robinson, and Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy — last week, the Jets took a break for the holidays. It’s not a given they’ll hire the GM before the head coach; no currently employed coaches or executives can interview for the job until after the regular season ends,” the NFL Media Group reported.
This detail is noteworthy, as teams typically hire general managers before head coaches when both roles are vacant. The Jets appear willing to take an unconventional approach to find the best candidates for both positions.
