August 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, United States; New York Jets helmets during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs
The New York Jets completed their 16th interview for their head coaching vacancy on Sunday, meeting Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Whitt was one day away from leading his unit to a strong playoff performance against the Detroit Lions. The Commanders intercepted Jared Goff three times and forced him to fumble in a 45-31 victory that sent Washington to the NFC Championship Game.
Whitt, 46, played wide receiver at Auburn and began his coaching career there as a student assistant. His first job on the defensive side of the ball was as Louisville’s cornerbacks coach from 2003 to 2006, after which he graduated to the NFL as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
Whitt worked in various roles for the Green Bay Packers (2008-18), the Cleveland Browns (2019), another season with Atlanta (2020) and the Dallas Cowboys (2021-23), working primarily with the secondary and coordinating the defense of the happens. This was his first season in Washington and his first year as defensive coordinator.
It also marks Whitt’s first interview for a head coaching position.
New York’s other interviews have included ten candidates with previous NFL head coaching experience, including their own interim coach Jeff Ulbrich and New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi. Ulbrich has since joined Atlanta as its new defensive coordinator, and another interviewee, Mike Vrabel, was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots.
–Media at field level
