The New York Jets are at a crossroads. With both the general manager and head coach out, the pressure is on owner Woody Johnson to pave the way for the future. But the question remains: who should lead the team into the future?

Bill Belichick, Todd Monken, Aaron Glenn… the list of prospective candidates goes on. But the former NFL player turned broadcaster Chris Simms, seems to side with Mike Vrabel. And quite strongly. On the ‘Dan Patrick Show‘ on Tuesday, Simms argued, “If I’m the New York Jets, I am calling Mike Vrabel… he’s made for New York.” Vrabel’s work with the Titans does prove his ability to handle high-pressure situations, though.

Vrabel had a decent tenure between 2018 and 2023 at the Tennessee Titans. Under Vrabel, the Titans went 54-45, with three playoff appearances and an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2019. Impressive? Well, the stats worsened in the last few years, causing his ouster at the end of 2023. However, Simms believes Vrabel’s toughness and track record make him a great fit for the Jets: “He’s Bill Parcells Jr. and he will get that organization back on track.”

Rex Ryan is another contender for the job, and he has not hidden his desire to be the HC in Woody Johnson’s New York. On ESPN’s Greeny show, Ryan made it clear that his goal is to win a Super Bowl as HC, and he wants to return to the Jets for that purpose. “I bleed green and white,” Ryan said, citing his family’s legacy with the team. Particularly his father’s connection to Super Bowl III. With names flying around, the question is not just about who lands the job, but whether that is going to make any difference.

It’s not Ryan or Vrabel—it’s about changing the culture

The Jets are sitting at 3-8 and instability keeps on stemming from owner Woody Johnson’s erratic decisions. The Jets’ midseason firing of Saleh and GM Joe Douglas is going to be a red flag for anyone eyeing the HC job. Simms pointed out that while Ryan’s fiery persona and past success are appreciated, his enthusiasm for the job may not be reciprocated. And the stats are also not being kind to Ryan, as his tenure with New York ended with a 46-50 record. But is Mike Vrabel the answer?

Ah well! He can only be as good as the management lets him be. If Johnson continues making suggestions like benching Aaron Rodgers after a 2-2 start, no one can save them. Bill Belichick criticized the team’s management, saying it has been “ready, fire, aim” for them, highlighting the need for change. And change only occurs from the top down. With Rodgers’s uncertain future in New York and Vrabel’s poor record with QB management at Tennessee, things don’t look that good.

Between 2022 and 2023, the Titans’ stats went downhill. They had a record of just 13-21. One of the major issues was the failure to develop a long-term quarterback solution. In 2022, despite a 7-3 start, the team finished 7-10. In the subsequent season that marked Vrabel’s ouster, the Titans went 6-11. But the Jets also need a GM, right? Sporting News’ Anthony Fama suggests the Jets should consider hiring Ryan Grigson as their general manager.

Grigson is currently the senior VP of player personnel for the Minnesota Vikings. He was also named Executive of the Year in 2012 for his work with the Indianapolis Colts. His eye for talent could just be the thing New York needs. But a lot lies on Johnson. The franchise can have a real shot at building a prosperous future only with the right vision in place.