Jets will interview UCLA’s Jim Mora, per report
Mora has spent the last three seasons coaching the UCLA Bruins to a 29-11 record.
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The New York Jets' search for their next head coach took its latest turn Monday with news that the team will interview UCLA's Jim L. Mora on Monday or Tuesday, according to Bruin Report. However, a separate report by CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora claims that while the Jets have interest in Mora, no meeting has been set yet.
Mora has spent the last three seasons as the head coach of UCLA. In that time, the program finished with no fewer than nine wins each year and is coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons, a feat not seen in Pasadena since the Bruins' run from 1997-98. Before Mora's arrival, the program went a disappointing 21-30 under Rick Neuheisel and his interim replacement Mike Johnson.
The Jets' interest may also be piqued by Mora's time as an NFL head coach. He spent three seasons guiding the Atlanta Falcons, leading them to an 11-5 record and an NFC Championship appearance in his first year. However, the Falcons slipped soon thereafter, finishing 8-8 and 7-9 in Mora's final two years. After two years as a defensive backs coach for the Seattle Seahawks, Mora was promoted to head coach. He lasted one 5-11 season before being let go.
NFL Coaching Rumors
The Jets are looking for a new coach to replace Rex Ryan, who was fired after six seasons with the team. Ryan, like Mora, comes from a defensive background. Following four seasons without a winning record and an offense that consistently ranked in the bottom third of the league, it's possible that the Jets want an offensive mind as a change of pace. Former Buffalo Bills headman Doug Marrone, who was previously the Saints' offensive coordinator, is reportedly a favorite for the job. Marrone opted out of his contract in Buffalo after concerns over the direction of the front office and perhaps dissatisfaction with the team's decision to trade future first-round draft picks for receiver Sammy Watkins.
Other candidates reportedly include Adam Gase, Pat Shurmur, Mike Shanahan and Dan Quinn, among others. The Jets also have yet to hire a new general manager. Former GM John Idzik was fired the same day as Ryan.
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