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Mike McCarthy to the Jets? Probaby not, but his availability impacts Gang Green nonetheless

Mike McCarthy Jets rumors
Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Another major candidate just landed on the head-coaching market for the New York Jets, as the Dallas Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy on Monday after they could not work out a new deal. 

The 61-year-old rises to the top of this year’s class of available coaches, possessing 18 years of head-coaching experience with the Green Bay Packers — he spent 13 years there and won a Super Bowl — and the Cowboys. 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears have shown immediate interest and plan on setting up interviews with McCarthy.

As of Monday afternoon, there has been no word of whether the Jets will attempt to set something up with the veteran head coach. They passed up on him six years ago when he was available and made the ill-fated decision to hire Adam Gase instead. 

With owner Woody Johnson still overseeing the hiring process, it would be a surprise if McCarthy were the Jets’ head coach in 2025. SNY’s Connor Hughes added that ahead of the 2019 season, Gang Green’s leadership “didn’t love what they turned up” when researching McCarthy. 

Regardless, his availability could potentially play a major role in Gang Green’s offseason. 

Aaron Glenn Jets head coach search
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches a play against Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.

If the Saints were to land McCarthy, that would take one of the strongest suitors out of the running for Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who is believed to have New Orleans and the Jets — teams he played for — as his top destinations. 

Glenn’s defensive background could unlock a different level than that of a talented Jets unit that underachieved this season. He helped transform the Lions’ unit into one of the NFL’s top defenses, shedding years of dysfunction under head coach Dan Campbell seemingly overnight. 

McCarthy may also want to reunite with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two were together during his time in Green Bay, and their relationship is still considered to be on good terms, even if their split was considered ugly. 

Rodgers’ future with the Jets is currently in limbo, depending on who Johnson brings on as general manager and head coach. A new regime would likely want a fresh start and, with it, their choice of quarterback. 

A reunion between McCarthy and Rodgers in New Orleans would force the Saints to part ways with veteran Derek Carr, who would hit the free-agent market as the top passer available alongside Sam Darnold — perhaps an option for the Jets to pursue, considering they likely will not have the chance to draft one of the top two quarterbacks available this spring with the No. 7 overall pick. 

For more on the Jets, visit AMNY.com

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