Among the lengthy list of Jets coaching interview requests, one name stood out as a notable exclusion.
Gang Green did not include arguably the hottest candidate of this coaching cycle in Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson among their nine requests Monday, The Post’s Brian Costello reported.
“The Jets do not feel that Johnson would be a fit for them so they are not requesting an interview, according to sources,” Costello wrote.
Johnson, 38, has been hyped as arguably the top candidate of this cycle after running a Lions offense that led the league with 33.2 points per game.
Detroit has ranked top five in scoring in all three of his seasons as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Johnson passed on becoming a head coach last offseason, but the setting seems ripe this cycle for him to lead a franchise for the first time.
The Bears, Patriots and Jaguars have all requested an interview with Johnson, according to reports, with all three teams settled at quarterback.
The Jets’ passing on Johnson comes after owner Woody Johnson exclusively outlined to The Post the team’s goal and process during this search, which included a notable line about their candidate pool.
“We’re going to get someone in here that’s going to make them proud, make them proud of the team on the field and off the field,” Johnson told Costello before Sunday’s win over the Dolphins. “We’re only interviewing people we would hire. We’re not just doing it for fun.”
Even with Johnson not making the cut, the Jets’ initial list skews more toward offensive-minded coaches.
Six of Monday’s requests included offensive coordinators or position coaches (Bills coordinator Joe Brady, 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese, Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, Chiefs coordinator Matt Nagy, Texans coordinator Bobby Slowik and Steelers coordinator Arthur Smith).
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph also made the cut.
The Jets previously interviewed former Commanders and Panthers coach Ron Rivera and ex-Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who could be headed to New England after the quick hook on Jerod Mayo.
They are also set to interview former coach Rex Ryan, who believes he’s the best man for the job, and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich is also expected to receive a bid.
The Jets are also searching for a new general manager and made six requests Monday, in addition to four completed interviews and an expected session with interim general manager Phil Savage.
