The New York Jets are rumored to have their coach, and it’s going to make one of their divisional rivals very angry.
Doug Marrone, who opted out of his contract with the Buffalo Bills this week to become a free agent, is reportedly on the inside track to landing the job in New York. The team met with Marrone on Saturday, and NFL sources say they could name him as their head coach sometime early this week.
The Jets are also in the midst of a search for a general manager, and have interviewed a few candidates who have a history with Marrone. Eagles personnel executive Rick Mueller worked with Marrone in New Orleans, and Browns personnel head Billy Kuharich was with the Saints when Marrone played for the team. Saints personnel man Ryan Pace was also with Marrone on Sean Payton’s staff in New Orleans.
Marrone comes after having reportedly burned a number of bridges in the Buffalo Bills organization. After he used an opt-out clause last week to become a free agent, many reports emerged of Marrone as a divisive figure. He and general manager Doug Whaley were reportedly not on speaking terms, and sources within the organization said that Marrone treated the team’s lower-level employees with disdain.
Sources close to Marrone said he left in large part because criticism from media and fans was wearing thin. But if he moves to the New York Jets , as rumors indicate, then he is stepping into what is considered the most hostile media climate.
Though reports of Doug Marrone joining the New York Jets are still in the rumor phase, the hire would make sense for the team. Marrone helped turn around the Bills in his two years there, leading the team to its first winning record in 10 years. He also has experience in the division, having beaten the Jets twice this season.
