The Jets’ interview process will include at least one meeting with a college coach. The team will speak with Mike Locksley on Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. A team announcement has since confirmed the news.
This marks the first time the Maryland head coach has been connected to an NFL interview. Locksley has been a coach since 1992 when he immediately followed up on his playing days by taking a position with his alma mater (Townsend State). He has coached at Maryland three separate times, including the 2015 season when he served as interim head coach. Earlier in his career, Locksley coached New Mexico for two-plus years (posting a 2-26 record).
That was eventually followed by a move to Alabama’s staff as an offensive assistant. Locksley became receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator before becoming the Crimson Tide’s full-time OC in 2018. He earned the Broyles Award (given to college football’s top assistant) that season before beginning his latest run at Maryland.
The 55-year-old has been guiding the Terrapins since 2019, a stretch which has seen the team post a winning record three times (2021-23). Overall, Locksley’s Maryland record sits at 33-41, which helps explain his lack of interest from NFL teams over the years. He is, nevertheless, the latest candidate to meet with the Jets, one of six teams in need of a new coach this offseason.
Via PFR’s HC search tracker, here is an updated look at where the Jets’ ongoing search stands:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Showed interest; meeting never scheduled
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interview requested
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interview requested
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): To interview 1/9
- Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interview requested
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Mike Locksley, head coach (Maryland): Interviewed 1/10
- Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interview requested
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/8
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Darren Rizzi, interim head coach (Saints): Interview requested
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Interviewed 1/7
- Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator (Texans): Interview requested
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): To interview
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/3