Jets add Sean McDermott to search, set up second meeting with Todd Bowles
January, 12, 2015
JAN 12
12:10
PM ET
By Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
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There were two twists Monday in the New York Jets' head-coaching search, which is beginning its third week.
Although Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn remains the favorite, the Jets have scheduled an interview for Wednesday with Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, as ESPN's Dan Graziano reported. He will be the seventh known candidate to interview for the vacancy.
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Meanwhile, the Jets are trying to set up a second interview with Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. This isn't surprising, as Bowles and Quinn are considered the top candidates.
Instead of remaining idle as they wait for Quinn, who can't be offered the job until the Seahawks' season is over, the Jets are continuing the process -- and they should. It's good business. It also helps their leverage.
There is competition for Quinn and Bowles, two of the hottest commodities on the market. In fact, the Atlanta Falcons, too, want to have Bowles for a second interview. Quinn still is drawing interest from the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears and Falcons.
If the Jets decide to back off Quinn, it will be because of two factors: They fear losing him to another team and can't take the chance of waiting, or they're concerned about his ability to put together a staff in early February, assuming the Seahawks reach the Super Bowl.
McDermott, who interviewed for the Washington Redskins' job last year, has done a very good job with the Panthers' defense. In fact, they've been a top-10 defense in each of his three seasons in Carolina. Previously, he spent his entire NFL coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was fired as their coordinator after the 2010 season.
