As the New York Jets search for their next head coach, finding an underrated candidate could be key to breaking their 14-year playoff drought. After all, Jets fans are dangling off the edge at this point, considering the team’s postseason drought is the longest active streak among teams within North America’s four major professional sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA).
To say Woody Johnson must get this one right would be a greater understatement than calling Aaron Rodgers “unique.”
While big-time former head coaches and hot-shot coordinators often dominate headlines when teams seek to fill positions, it’s sometimes the underrated, diamond-in-the-rough types that move the franchise-growth needle the most.
Let’s take a look at three underrated head coach candidates the New York Jets could potentially target this offseason.
Anthony Lynn, Washington Commanders Running Backs Coach, and Run Game Coordinator
During his first stint as an NFL head coach, Anthony Lynn found some success.
Lynn served as the Los Angeles Chargers head coach for four seasons from 2017-2020, compiling a 33-32 record (.508), including a 12-4 season in 2018 and a 1-1 record in the playoffs.
Lynn was fired following a disappointing 7-9 season in 2020.
During his time with the Chargers, Lynn oversaw the development of quarterback Justin Herbert, who set NFL rookie records for most passing touchdowns (31) and offensive touchdowns (36). Herbert went on to win the AP Rookie of the Year Award in 2020.
Following his dismissal, Lynn served as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator for one season (2021). During his tenure, Detroit’s offense did not have much success, ranking 29th in offensive DVOA.
Lynn, a former undrafted free-agent running back, later joined the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff in 2022, where he spent two seasons serving as the team’s assistant head coach and running backs coach.
During his tenure, Lynn worked closely with running-back Christian McCaffrey, who won NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He led the league in rushing yards with 1,459 and finished the season ranking fourth with 14 rushing touchdowns.
Currently in his first season serving as the Washington Commanders’ running backs coach and run game coordinator, Lynn brings a wealth of offensive knowledge and winning experience as a head coach, making him a compelling, underrated candidate for the Jets head coaching job.
Also, it is crucial to note that Lynn is no stranger to the Jets organization. He spent four seasons (2009-2012) serving as the team’s assistant head coach and running backs coach under head coach Rex Ryan.
Ron Rivera, former Washington Commanders Head Coach
Similar to Lynn, Ron Rivera has head coaching experience and, to say the very least, a wealth of experience in the role.
Last serving as the Washington Commanders head coach in 2023, Rivera has 13 years of head coaching experience, showcasing a 102-103 record (.498), two NFL Coach of the Year Awards, and a Super Bowl appearance.
Nine of his 13 seasons as a head coach came with the Carolina Panthers.
As a rookie head coach in 2011, Rivera inherited a 2-14 team and then guided Carolina back to glory, leading them to four playoff appearances in five years (2013-2017), including a 15-1 season and Super Bowl berth in 2015.
Rivera was then hired as the Commanders’ head coach in 2020, where he spent four seasons compiling a 26-40-1 record, including a 0-1 record in the playoffs. Rivera was dismissed from Washington following a disappointing 4-13 season and has yet to land a coaching job since his time with Washington.
I haven’t heard Rivera’s name surrounding head coaching jobs this offseason, making him an underrated candidate.
Rivera is most appealing to me because of his ability to turn struggling teams into Super Bowl-caliber teams in a very short amount of time, which he proved during his time with Carolina.
Rivera inherited a 2-14 team, only to guide them back to glory, leading them to four playoff appearances in five years (2013-2017), including a 15-1 season and Super Bowl berth in 2015.
Brian Johnson, Assistant HC/Pass Game Coordinator, Washington Commanders
Unlike Lynn and Rivera, Brian Johnson has no experience as a head coach.
Currently serving as the Washington Commanders assistant head coach and passing game coordinator, Johnson has played a pivotal role in Washington’s rapid turnaround this season. Washington currently has the fifth-best pass-offense DVOA and sixth-best points-per-game mark.
Additionally, Johnson has played a significant role in young Jayden Daniels’s development. According to Pro Football Focus, Daniels, a rookie, ranks sixth among 69 qualified quarterbacks with an 88.3 overall grade.
Before joining Washington’s coaching staff, Johnson spent three seasons in Philadelphia with the Eagles in various roles, including offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
During his time in Philly, Johnson helped develop quarterback Jalen Hurts while offensive plays during the 2023 season. Under Johnson’s play-calling in 2023, the Eagles ranked 10th in offensive DVOA.
Johnson is very appealing due to his proven track record of developing quarterbacks throughout his coaching career, something the Jets have struggled to do for far too long. Better yet, the man also has experience as an offensive play-caller.
Additionally, Johnson has a proven record of turning poor offenses into successful units quickly.
Suppose the Jets are seeking someone to quickly transform their offense into a top-tier unit while grooming the team’s future quarterback. In that case, the organization should consider Johnson, who might be treated as a serious head coach candidate this offseason.
