Mike McCarthy is making it known that if he’s coaching in the NFL next season, it will be as head coach of the New York Jets.
Mike McCarthy is the most accomplished candidate vying to become the next head coach of the New York Jets. The Super Bowl-winning coach is making it clear that he only wants one job at this point. A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that McCarthy is not pursuing any other opportunities.
This could speak to the situation the Jets find themselves in. New York has a potential franchise quarterback in Sam Darnold. On the defensive side of the ball, Jamal Adams looks to be a perennial All-Pro. Not to mention the boatloads of salary cap space the Jets have to play with during the offseason.
Despite the groans of “same ol’ Jets” that seem to haunt the franchise, there is significant hope for the future. Darnold is the most exciting thing the Jets can boast. The rookie showed serious growth down the stretch of the season.
Acquiring the quarterback is the toughest thing to do in the NFL and McCarthy knows that. He had the luxury of coaching Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers — two Hall-of-Fame talents — during his tenure in Green Bay. Perhaps McCarthy sees something special in Darnold as well.
It’s notable that McCarthy didn’t have any plans to pursue an opportunity with the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland appears to be one of the best situations for a head coach with the talented Baker Mayfield under center. Whether or not the Browns even wanted McCarthy is a different story entirely.
Regardless, McCarthy is boldly proclaiming New York or bust in his search for his next head coaching gig.
