Jeff Ulbrich, who served as the Jets interim coach for the final 12 games, was interviewed for the permanent coaching position.

On Oct. 8, after Jets owner Woody Johnson fired Robert Saleh following a 2-3 start, Ulbrich, who was the defensive coordinator, became the team’s interim coach. Johnson hoped Ulbrich would ignite a spark and lead Gang Green to the playoffs. However, Saleh’s firing had the opposite effect.

Under Ulbrich, 47, the Jets went 3-9, finishing 5-12 and in third place in the AFC East for the second consecutive season. Gang Green was the preseason favorite to win the AFC East.

“First of all, wanted to thank the Johnson family for the opportunity to be the head coach of the Jets even though it was an interim basis,” Ulbrich said last week. “It was a great honor. One of the great honors of my football career.

“I want to thank this fanbase. It’s one of the great fanbases in this game; passionate, all in, and wish I could have done more for them. I want to thank the coaching staff in this building, the support staff, unbelievable in a very trying year, stayed the course and unwavering support at all times, and then finally want to thank these players because, amazing locker room in the face of real football adversity, they stayed together, they stayed the course. They finished in a way that they should all be proud of and for that, I’m forever grateful.”

Ulbrich became the Jets defensive coordinator in 2021 after Saleh was hired. Before that, Ulbrich was a 10-year linebacker for the 49ers and an assistant coach for the Seahawks, UCLA, and the Falcons.

After Ulbrich was made interim coach, he also maintained his duties as defensive coordinator. However, it appeared that wearing dual hats was too much for Ulbrich, and the Jets’ defense suffered because of it.

Prior to becoming the Jets interim coach, Ulbrich had no head coaching experience at any level. Although the Jets defense finished third overall in yards allowed (313.8) this season, it finished 20th in points allowed (23.8), which was worse than the previous season (20.9).

After the 40-14 loss to the Bills on Dec. 29, Ulbrich was asked to evaluate Aaron Rodgers‘ performance, and his response was jaw-dropping.

“Honestly, I didn’t get to see a whole lot of the offense,” Ulbrich said. “I was doing a lot of defensive adjustments, especially that first half and a good part of that third quarter. So, we’ll see when I get a good look at the tape.

In addition to that and his questionable game management decisions, the Jets lost six games in which they were leading in the fourth quarter. Gang Green also committed 137 penalties in 2024, which led the league.

In hindsight, Ulbrich said if he could do it over again, he would not be both the defensive coordinator and coach.

“I would much rather have the ability to go from offense to defense to special teams,” Ulbrich said. “There’s moments, especially on gameday, where I’m busy being a defensive coordinator where my resources might be better equipped at being the head coach, just at certain times within games, and there’s times definitely where being a head coach can get in the way of prepping for defense for me, and vice versa.”

The Jets began interviewing candidates during the final few games of the season. Ulbrich said having other candidates in the building wasn’t uncomfortable while the Jets were preparing to win games.

“There’s things that I need to improve on, and there’s things that I got to take a critical look at myself and find the spaces where I can improve those,” Ulbrich said. “I’m far from perfect, and I’m excited about that opportunity to really, with a fine-tooth comb evaluate every decision.”

Ulbrich is the ninth known candidate to interview for the Jets coaching job. Ron Rivera, Mike Vrabel, Rex Ryan, Mike Locksley, Aaron Glenn, Matt Nagy, Darren Rizzi, and Steve Spagnuolo were all previously interviewed for the position.

Johnson hired The 33rd Team in November to help identify candidates for both the general manager and coaching positions. This was after Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas after five-plus seasons.

The Jets have interviewed 13 candidates for their general manager vacancy.

On Saturday, the Jets interviewed Darren Rizzi, who was the Saints’ interim coach and special teams coordinator last season.

They also spoke with five candidates for their vacant general manager position: Lions special assistant to the president and CEO Chris Spielman, Broncos assistant GM Darren Mougey, Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark, Bengals senior personnel director Trey Brown, and Vikings senior vice president of player personnel. Ryan Grigson. More candidates are expected to be interviewed as well.

The Jets previously interviewed Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson, Jim Nagy, Louis Riddick, Alec Halaby, Mike Borgonzi, Ray Farmer, and Mike Greenberg for the GM vacancy.

Spielman’s brother Rick and former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum are spearheading the team’s interview process working for The 33rd Team, which owner Woody Johnson hired in November to help identify candidates and coordinate interviews. Johnson fired both Jets coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas in the middle of a 5-12 season.

RIZZI’S RESUME

Rizzi, a Hillsdale, New Jersey native, began coaching in the NFL in 2009 when he was hired as the Dolphins’ assistant special teams coach. The following season, Rizzi became Miami’s special teams coach, a position he held until 2019. He was promoted to associate coach along with his special teams duties from 2017-18 before not being retained after Brian Flores became Dolphins coach in 2019.

In 2019, Saints head coach Sean Payton hired Rizzi as the team’s special teams coordinator. In 2022, Dennis Allen promoted him to assistant head coach alongside his special teams responsibilities.

New Orleans handed Rizzi the keys to the castle after the organization made him the interim coach after firing Allen nine games into the 2024 season. The Saints won three of its first four games after Rizzi took over.

However, Saints quarterback Derek Carr broke his hand and suffered a concussion, sidelining him for the season’s final four games. New Orleans finished 5-12 and in last place in the NFC South. Rizzi finished 3-4 as interim coach of the Saints.

Before his stint as interim coach of the Saints this season, Rizzi’s only head coaching experience came when he was the coach at the collegiate level at New Haven (1999-2001) and Rhode Island (2008).

SPIELMAN’S RESUME

Most fans will remember Spielman, 56, as an 11-year linebacker for the Lions and Bills (1988-97). After his playing career ended, Spielman went into broadcasting, working for both Fox Sports and ESPN.

Spielman re-joined the Lions organization in a front-office role in 2021 as a special assistant to president/CEO Robert Wood. He played an essential part in the Lions hiring of GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell.

In addition, Spielman has a close working relationship with the Lions’ business and football aspects. He also helps Detroit with college scouting.

On Thursday, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn interviewed with the Jets for their coaching vacancy.

GRIGSON’S RESUME

Unlike the rest of the candidates who interviewed on Saturday, Grigson has previous GM experience. After working with the Rams and Eagles as a scout and director of player personnel, Grigson was the Colts’ GM from 2012-16. During that time, the Colts drafted quarterback Andrew Luck (2012) and made three playoff appearances in five seasons.

Grigson, 52, was fired after the 2016 season. He finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the second straight season. During his time in Indianapolis, he had a 49-31 record.

Following his Colts’ exit, Grigson had stops with the Browns and Seahawks working as an executive and consultant. In 2022, the Vikings hired Grigson as their senior vice president of player personnel, a role he has had ever since.

Many people blame Grigson for failing to protect Luck, which led to his sudden retirement in 2019. But he was named the 2012 NFL Executive of the Year by the Sporting News and Pro Football Writers of America after the Colts improved from a 2-14 record in 2011 to an 11-5 record, a nine-game improvement.

In addition to Grigson, the Jets have requested to speak with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown for the coaching position. So, potentially, Grigson could work with Flores or McCown, two coaches with whom he has relationships.

Minnesota finished with a 14-3 record this season and will play the Rams on Monday night in the NFL Wild-Card Round.

MOUGEY’S RESUME

Mougey is in his second season as the Broncos’ assistant general manager. He helped Denver obtain the seventh seed in the AFC after the team’s defense finished seventh in yards (317.1) and third in points allowed (18.3).

Mougey, 39, has been with the Broncos since 2012 when he was hired as a scouting intern. He has held several positions within the organization, including personnel and scouting assistant, college and pro personnel scout, assistant director of college scouting, and director of player personnel.

Since being promoted to assistant GM in 2022, Mougey has been Broncos GM George Paton’s right-hand man. Both Mougey and Paton helped the Broncos to a 10-7 record this year by selecting players such as Bo Nix, Nik Bonitto, Marvin Mims Jr., and Riley Moss and signing players D.J. Jones and Mike McGlinchey.

NEWMARK’S RESUME

Newmark is in his first season as the Commanders’ assistant GM. He worked with GM Adam Peters and helped the team finish 12-5 and earn the sixth seed in the NFC. He has 28 years of NFL experience, including 26 seasons with the Lions. During his role with the Lions, Newmark served as the senior director of player personnel (2016-21) and oversaw the college and pro scouting operations.

Newmark also was Detroit’s director of college scouting (2015-16), assistant director of college scouting (2008-14), national scout (2005-07), and area scout (1999-2004). He began his NFL executive career with the Chargers, working under then-GM Bobby Beathard, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member.

BROWN’S RESUME

In 2022, Brown, 39, became the Bengals senior personnel executive after he was promoted from his scout position.

Brown has interviewed for an NFL GM job three times: with the Bills in May 2017, with the Raiders in December 2018, and with the Raiders in January 2022. Before joining the Bengals in 2021, Brown was a Patriots scout, the Eagles’ director of college scouting, and worked for the AAF and XFL.

Reportedly, Brown declined an interview for the Patriots GM position last offseason.

Johnson has even surpassed Jerry Jones. His production of “Dallas” works off a predictable script while Johnson runs a fun house with trap doors. He shocked the jock world by firing Robert Saleh on Oct. 8. Six weeks later he pushed the button on GM Joe Douglas’ ejector seat.

Now, that’s showbiz.

Yet, serendipity also sticks to the Jets owner. Stuff that fuels the chaos but is beyond his control. Like Rex Ryan, a perceived confidant of Johnson, using his ESPN platform to regularly hype his own candidacy for Gang Green head coach.

Ryan’s blatant campaigning is done at the expense of other football analysis he should be delivering. ESPN brainiacs have no problem with this blabbermouth because, in essence, Ryan is making news (totally slanted to benefit him) on a variety of ESPN platforms.

Is this Woody’s fault?

Then there is Mike Tannenbaum. Johnson hired the former Jets GM’s company to conduct his search for a new head coach and general manager. Tannenbaum also works for ESPN. So, on the Jets story he is conflicted up to his eyeballs. He can’t tell the truth because it would jeopardize his Jets consultancy. Again, ESPN doesn’t care because the situation makes them a direct “player” in the Jets reality show. The Bristol Faculty has not taken Tannenbaum off the air, right?

Moving (far) up the celebrity ladder we get to the star of Johnson’s Follies, Aaron Rodgers. Did anyone listen to what Fox’s Joe Davis and Greg Olsen had to say about Rodgers during the fourth quarter of the Jets win in the finale against Miami?

The two (emotional) voices verbally wrote the quarterback’s football obituary. If you had any doubts about whether Rodgers was playing in his last game, they were erased by the hearts-and-flowers sendoff Davis and Olsen gave him.

While the Fox broadcasters have no idea what Rodgers intends to do, they only added another storyline(s) to carry Johnson’s carnival into and through the offseason: Will Rodgers (who is still under contract to Gang Green) be a Jet in 2025?

That will be the first question asked during the new coach and GM’s introductory press conference. It will also be the question Ambassador Johnson is asked if he decides to talk to Jets reporters. So, until Rodgers makes a decision, or the Jets make it for him, the Hall of Fame bound QB is the leading man in Woody’s production.

There are also co-stars like: Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams and Sauce Gardner

They are passengers on Woody’s unpredictable caravan. It’s a tour with a twist, which has NFL pontificators howling at the moon. Johnson, whose team just finished the season 5-12, dared to applaud the Jets for winning the Miami finale.

“I don’t care about anything else, but a win at the end was good,” Johnson said. “They played well. They didn’t give up. Everybody showed up. We did some really nice things. I’m proud of the guys.”

While others — those who invented football — reacted to this with a disdainful “What?” Johnson again showed he’s familiar with some axioms of show business: Always leave them laughing.

Or in this case, crying.

NO BARKING AT MARA

If anyone doubted Giants CEO/co-owner John Mara occasionally receives preferential treatment from the media, SiriusXM’s Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo provided concrete proof during his weekly appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.”

Doggie was ripping into NFL owners who preside over “dysfunctional” franchises, including Woody Johnson and Jags boss Shad Khan, who Russo characterizes as Public Enemy No. 1.

Suddenly, one of the “FT” crew, Jeff Saturday, interrupted asking why Russo did not mention Mara. Saturday accused Russo of protecting the Giants co-boss.

In a few seconds, and more than once, a sheepish Mad Dog admitted to being friends with Mara. Russo, who has verbally destroyed Khan on numerous occasions, admitted he cut Mara slack because of the friendship. He did not try to hide it.

How could he after Saturday called him out?

SOLO KAY IS SAME OLD MIKE

If anyone expected Michael Kay’s move to 1 p.m. and shifting to a solo act on 880-AM, would produce big change, think again.

After listening to two shows, at similar times, we heard Kay go on the defensive — twice — about skeptical listeners offering their theories why he is no longer with his long-time partners Don La Greca and Pete Rosenberg.

Kay’s trademark thin skin was showing. He was in full Charmin mode, lashing out at those who dared to express an opinion. Some listeners described Kay as an egomaniac who coveted a solo show.

Kay explained the move will provide him with a better quality of family life, including giving him the opportunity to spend more time with his two children.

Anyway, it was reassuring to hear that working alone in an earlier time slot won’t stop Kay from losing his mind while over-reacting to those who take issue with him.

NO MORE SIMULCAST

On his new show, Kay said the 1-3 p.m. offering won’t be simulcast on the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network.

While either the Kay show or a WFAN afternoon-drive product (“Mike and the Mad Dog,” then Mike Francesa solo) has been simulcast continuously on YES for 22 years, the two outlets could not reach an agreement on a new contract for Kay’s solo show.

Now YES, the regional sports network, will save money by not having to pay an exorbitant rights fee or production costs. The simulcast business, like the radio biz, is not exactly robust.

And that’s a kind way of putting it.

AROUND THE DIAL

If recent history is precedent, the carriage dispute between Optimum (owned by Altice) and MSG Network, home of the Knicks, Rangers, Devils, Islanders and Monica McNutt could drag on. A similar financial standoff between Comcast and MSGN, which impacts Xfinity subscribers in New Jersey and Connecticut, is in its fourth year. While some politicians are taking sides on Optimum vs. MSG, we can’t feel any concentrated heat from fans. That’s why Garden boss James (Guitar Jimmy) Dolan needs his Knickerbockers to get hot and become as compelling as Jeremy Lin was in 2012 when he captured the imagination of fans and provided the impetus to settle a carriage dispute between MSG and Time Warner Cable. … MGM+ is back with Season 4 of its revealing NFL Films docuseries “NFL Icons.” Episode 1, on Jan. 17 features Kurt Warner. It never gets old revisiting his storybook journey. Zero major college scholarship offers. Undrafted by the NFL. Cut by the Packers after a 1994 tryout. Five years later, the league MVP and Super Bowl champ. … ESPN suits must believe the millions of casual fans watching the CFP know who the various voices are. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy turned in a masterpiece Thursday working Notre Dame- Penn State, but ESPN did not graphically ID them enough during the game leaving many fans wondering: “Who are those guys?”

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: DAN CAMPBELL

The manner in which he has rejuvenated the Detroit Lions’ perennially failed franchise is epic. Sunday night’s 31-9 rout of Minny was just another example. And as a bonus, the coach is a soundbite machine.

 DWEEB OF THE WEEK: REX RYAN

Publicly declaring you’re the best candidate — once — for the Jets head coaching gig is enough. Using your ESPN platform to declare it over and over again is a brilliant way to get yourself disqualified. Or is it just further confirmation that Ryan fancies himself a football genius.

DOUBLE TALK

What Joe Schoen said: “We have a plan in place that we believe in, and we’re going to stick with that.”

What Joe Schoen meant to say: “What matters is one guy — John Mara — actually trusts our failed process.”

Lions DC Aaron Glenn was interviewed virtually on Thursday.

The Jets also interviewed former Browns general manager Ray Farmer for their general manager opening.

Due to NFL rules, Glenn could only interview virtually because Detroit is currently in the postseason after going 15-2 and gaining the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Glenn, 52, is the fifth known candidate interviewed for the Jets coaching position [Ron Rivera, Mike Vrabel, Rex Ryan, and Matt Nagy]. He is arguably the favorite to land the Jets coaching job.

Jets fans may remember Glenn as a player after the team selected him in the first round of the 1994 draft. He played eight seasons for the Jets before the Texans acquired him in the expansion draft in 2002. He was a two-time Pro Bowl under former Jets coach Bill Parcells (1997-98)

What separates Glenn from other coaching candidates is that he has dipped his toe in almost every aspect of a team. He has experience as a player, personnel scout, and assistant coach.

After his playing days, Glenn worked as a scout in the Jets organization for two seasons (2012-13) before getting into coaching. In 2014, he began his coaching journey with the Browns as an assistant defensive backs coach and spent two seasons in that role.

Glenn then went to New Orleans to become Sean Payton’s defensive backs coach (2016-20).

Since 2021, Glenn has been the defensive coordinator under Lions coach Dan Campbell. Together, the two helped the Lions go from a 3-13-1 record in 2021 to Super Bowl contenders each of the last two seasons.

Glenn and the Lions’ defense has overcome several injuries and produced a defense that improved in 2024. Detroit has 13 defensive players on injured reserve, two of the team’s defensive linemen, Aidan Hutchinson [broken fibula] and Alim McNeill [ACL]. Cornerback Carlton Davis has also been out due to a fractured jaw he suffered in Week 15.

Detroit finished 20th in total yards (342.4) and seventh in points allowed (20.1), helping the team to a second straight NFC North division title. That is an improvement from the 2023 season when the Lions allowed 23.2 points per game.

The Lions defense also allowed the second-lowest completion percentage (61.1) and the league’s lowest passer rating (82.0) during the 2024 season. They also allowed just 98.4 rushing yards per game, which was the fifth-best in the league.

“Aaron Glenn is — he’s as good a coach as you’re going to find, he’s an even better human being,” Campbell said. “Look, if nobody wants him, I’ll take him again. I can tell you that right now.

“The thought of going through another cycle and he’s not somebody’s head coach is ridiculous. I mean, this guy is as good as they come, and he can do it all. He understands how to manage a game, he understands the offense, defense, special teams, he knows how to communicate, he understands the discipline of players, and he’s motivating, he’s inspiring.”

In addition to the Jets, Glenn is scheduled to interview with the Bears, Jaguars, and Saints during the Lions’ playoff bye this week. It would be surprising if Glenn didn’t get a coaching job during this hiring cycle.

In 2022, Glenn interviewed for the Saints coaching job, which eventually went to Dennis Allen. Last season, he interviewed for the Chargers, Commanders, Falcons, and Titans positions.

Glenn, a disciple of Parcells and Payton, has been labeled a culture-builder—a coach who gets players to buy into and influence the organization. Following a disappointing 14 consecutive seasons of not making the playoffs, the Jets certainly need a culture-builder like Glenn.

Farmer’s resume

Farmer, 50, has worked in the NFL since 2002, when he began as a scout with the Falcons (2002-05). Following his time in Atlanta, Farmer was Kansas City’s director of pro personnel for seven seasons (2006-12).

He is known for his time as the Browns’ assistant GM (2013) before becoming their GM for two seasons (2014-15). Farmer was fired following the Browns’ 3-13 season in 2015. As Browns general manager, he had a record of 10-22.

In 2015, Farmer was suspended for four regular-season games after violating the NFL’s electronic device policy. He was caught texting team personnel on the sideline from the press box.

Since 2020, Farmer has been working in the Rams organization alongside GM Les Snead. He was first hired as a scouting consultant and then promoted to Los Angeles’ senior personnel executive, where he has been since 2021.

Owner Woody Johnson fired Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during a 5-12 season. In November, Johnson hired The 33rd Team to help identify candidates for both the general manager and coaching positions.

In addition to Farmer, the Jets have interviewed Jon Robinson, Louis Reddick, Jim Nagy, Thomas Dimitroff, and Mike Borgonzi for their general manager position.

In Palm Beach, Fla., the Jets interviewed Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy for their coaching role. They also interviewed Eagles assistant GM Alec Halaby and Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi for their general manager position.

Halaby and Borgonzi are the fifth and sixth candidates the Jets have interviewed since they fired Joe Douglas on Nov. 19. They have also interviewed Jon Robinson, Louis Riddick, Jim Nagy, and Thomas Dimitroff for the position.

Matt Nagy’s résumé

On two separate occasions, Nagy, 46, has been the Chiefs offensive coordinator. He was the Chiefs OC from 2016-17 before Nagy was hired as coach of the Bears from 2018-21 before he was fired.

During his stint in Chicago, Nagy went 34-31 with two playoff appearances. He also won the 2018 AP Coach of the Year after leading the Bears to their first NFC North title and playoff appearance since 2010.

After leaving Chicago, Nagy was rehired by the Chiefs as a senior assistant and quarterbacks coach in 2022. In 2023, after Eric Bieniemy left to become the Commanders’ assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, Nagy was again named Kansas City’s offensive coordinator.

In addition to Nagy, the Jets have requested to interview former Giants and current Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for their head coaching vacancy, a source told the Daily News. Spagnuolo was 10-38 during his three seasons as the coach of the Rams (2009-11).

Nagy is the fourth known candidate to interview for the Jets coaching job, following former Panthers and Commanders coach Ron Rivera, former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, and former Jets and Bills coach Rex Ryan. His first NFL job was with the Eagles in 2008 under Andy Reid. Nagy was first a coaching intern (2008-’09), then became a coaches’ assistant (2010) and offensive quality control coach (2011-12) before moving with Reid to the Chiefs.

Nagy was born in Dunellen, New Jersey, and played college football at Delaware.

The Jets are looking for a new coach after firing Robert Saleh on Oct. 8. Gang Green finished 5-12 this season and missed the playoff for the 14th consecutive season.

In November, Jets owner Woody Johnson hired The 33rd Team to help identify candidates and coordinate interviews for both the general manager and coaching positions.

Alec Halaby’s résumé

Halaby has been with the Eagles organization since 2007 when he was hired as an intern in their football operations department. He has an analytical background focused on player evaluation and roster management.

Before being named the Eagles assistant general manager in 2022, Halaby was the special assistant to the general manager (2012-15) and player personnel analyst (2010-11).

Last year, Halaby interviewed with the Commanders and Carolina Panthers general manager position, but he eventually stayed with the Eagles organization.

Mike Borgonzi’s résumé

Following the 2020 season, the Chiefs promoted Borgonzi to his current role as general manager Brett Veach’s right-hand man. Before he was promoted to Chiefs assistant GM in 2021, Borgonzi spent three seasons as the team’s director of football operations (2018-20) and three seasons as the club’s director of player personnel (2017)/co-director of player personnel (2015-16).

In his current role, Borgonzi supervises and directs the club’s college and professional scouting operations while helping Veach construct the Chiefs roster through free agency, the NFL Draft, waiver claims, and trades. During his time in Kansas City, Borgonzi helped the Chiefs win three Super Bowls, including back-to-back championships.

Borgonzi joined the Chiefs in 2009. He first served as the team’s college scouting administrator, where he worked closely with college scouts to help with player evaluations.

Darrelle Revis won Super Bowl XLIX with the New England Patriots in 2015.

Odell Beckham Jr. caught a touchdown for the Los Angeles Rams in their Super Bowl LVI victory in 2022.

In that same game, then-Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple was cooked by Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, including for the game-winning touchdown.

In 2023, Kadarius Toney delivered a record-setting 65-yard punt return and caught a touchdown for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Super Bowl LVII win — mere months after being traded by the Giants.

And last year, Mecole Hardman caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the Chiefs’ LVIII victory — mere months after being traded by the Jets.

While the Jets and Giants missed the playoffs again this year, another one of their former players could emerge as the latest Super Bowl hero this February.

Here are notable former Jets and Giants in the 2025 NFL playoffs.

SAQUON BARKLEY, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Giants’ decision last spring to let Barkley test free agency — and ultimately sign a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the hated Eagles — aged very poorly very quickly for Big Blue.

Barkley, 27, delivered a season for the ages, rushing for 2,005 yards for a Philly team that went 14-3, won the NFC East and enters the playoffs as the conference’s No. 2 seed.

It was only the ninth 2,000-yard season in NFL history. Barkley could have set the single-season rushing record — he was 101 yards away — had the Eagles not decided to rest him in Week 18 against his former team.

The only way letting Barkley go could look worse for the Giants? If the former No. 2 overall pick leads the Eagles to the second Super Bowl title in franchise history.

SAM DARNOLD, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

It took seven years for Darnold to look the part of the franchise quarterback the Jets drafted him to be with the No. 3 pick in 2018, but everything clicked for him this season in Minnesota.

Darnold, 27, blew past his career bests with 4,319 passing yards, 35 passing touchdowns and a 102.5 passer rating in leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record and the NFC’s No. 5 seed.

He excelled in coach Kevin O’Connell’s QB-friendly system and with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson to throw to.

Darnold’s performance in his first postseason as a starter will help dictate how much money he gets this offseason — from the Vikings or someone else.

DANIEL JONES, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Two postseasons ago, Jones and the Giants upset the Vikings in the wild-card round.

On Tuesday, the Vikings added the former Giants quarterback to their active roster in the lead-up to these playoffs’ wild-card round.

The Vikings signed Jones, 27, to their practice squad in November, shortly after the Giants cut their onetime franchise quarterback during the second season of his four-year, $160 million contract.

It is unclear if Jones would be the next man up if something happened to Darnold or if Nick Mullens remains Minnesota’s No. 2 quarterback.

XAVIER MCKINNEY, GREEN BAY PACKERS

Most of the attention last offseason centered on Giants general manager Joe Schoen letting Barkley walk, but his decision to part ways with the former second-round pick McKinney similarly backfired.

The playmaking safety ranked second in the NFL with eight interceptions in the first season of a four-year, $67 million contract with Green Bay.

McKinney, 26, recorded an interception in each of his first five games and also totaled 88 tackles, 11 passes defended and a sack.

MEKHI BECTON, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Becton struggled with injury and inconsistency throughout his four years with the Jets, who drafted him No. 11 overall in 2020 to be their franchise left tackle.

His departure last offseason commanded minimal fanfare, as did the one-year prove-it contract he signed with the Eagles.

But the 6-7 Becton moved to right guard and thrived with Philly, helping to open lanes for Barkley during the latter’s historic season.

Pro Football Focus ranked Becton as the 21st best guard in the NFL and gave him its 19th highest run-blocking grade.

KEVIN ZEITLER, DETROIT LIONS

Another guard who excelled for one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks was Zeitler, who spent 2019-20 with the Giants.

PFF graded Zeitler, 34, as the third-best guard in the NFL and as the second-best run blocker.

His presence proved important for a Lions offense that led the NFL with 33.2 points per game and averaged 146.4 rushing yards.

Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs (16) and David Montgomery (12) both scored double-digit rushing touchdowns and combined for nearly 2,200 yards on the ground.

The Giants, who have struggled for a decade to fix their offensive line, released Zeitler in 2021 in a cost-saving move.

OTHERS

Bryce Huff disappointed with only 2.5 sacks in 13 games after leaving the Jets in the offseason for a three-year, $51 million contract with the Eagles, but the linebacker recently returned from midseason wrist surgery.

Former Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard carved out a nice role in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, catching 32 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown.

Ben Bredeson, who spent the previous three seasons with the Giants, started all 17 games this year with Tampa and was rated by PFF as the NFL’s 91st-best guard.

Mike Williams caught nine passes in nine games after being traded from the Jets to the Pittsburgh Steelers in November, but his lone touchdown reception was a game-winner.

Zach Wilson, whom the Jets drafted No. 2 overall in 2021, is the Denver Broncos’ third-string quarterback and did not take a snap this season.

A more consequential ex-Jet on the Broncos is defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, who had seven sacks and 40 tackles in his first season since leaving New York.

Jamison Crowder, who played three seasons with the Jets from 2019-21 and did not make the Giants’ roster in 2023, caught nine passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns with the Washington Commanders.

James Bradberry, a standout cornerback for the Giants from 2020-21, remains employed by the Eagles but spent the entire season on IR after suffering a lower-leg injury during an August practice.

Ryan, 62, officially interviewed with the Jets on Tuesday.

He was the team’s head coach from 2009-14 — the last coach to guide Gang Green to the postseason — and compiled a 46-50 regular-season record over six seasons.

Ryan also coached two seasons with the Bills (2015-16) before being canned in Buffalo.

During his first two seasons with the Green and White, Ryan led the team to back-to-back AFC championship game appearances. However, during his last four seasons, the Jets registered a 26-38 record with no playoff appearances. Ryan was fired following a 4-12 record in 2014.

After leaving the Jets, Ryan went 15-16 with Buffalo before he was fired with one game remaining during the 2016 season. Since then, Ryan has been an NFL analyst for ESPN.

Ryan has been campaigning for the Jets job since owner Woody Johnson fired Robert Saleh on Oct. 8. He met with Jets decision makers in Palm Beach, Fla., where Johnson lives.

The Jets have already been busy interviewing candidates for their vacant coaching and general manager positions. Last week, they interviewed former Panthers and Commanders coach Ron Rivera and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel. They have also submitted several requests to interview multiple coordinators, such as Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Texans OC Bobby Slowik, Vikings DC Brian Flores and Chiefs OC Matt Nagy.

On Monday, during an appearance on ESPN New York, the brash son of NFL coaching legend Buddy Ryan said he expects to land the Jets coaching gig.

“Oh, 100%, absolutely I do,” Ryan said. “The reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy for the job and it ain’t close. The think you have to do is you have to connect with your football team, you have to connect with your fan base. The way they play, that’s the most important thing.

“It’s not just the X’s and O’s and all that. This Ben Johnson — I love him, I absolutely love him — but I’m a better candidate for this job than he would be.”

Johnson, the Lions OC, is one of the biggest targets during this year’s hiring cycle. However, he is not expected to interview with the Jets, sources say.

The Jets are coming off a disappointing 5-12 season, which led to the firings of Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. Ryan criticized the Jets for the “lack of organizational leadership” under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

Ryan also condemned quarterback Aaron Rodgers for missing the team’s mandatory minicamp last June to go on vacation to Egypt. After Saleh called it an unexcused absence, Rodgers was fined $100,000.

One of the biggest offseason decisions, outside of the coaching and general manager hires, is whether to bring Rodgers, 41, back in 2025. After an up-and-down season, his contract has no remaining guaranteed money. In 17 games, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

If Rodgers is on the roster next season, he will make a non-guaranteed $37.5 million, with a dead cap hit of $49 million if he retires or is released. Ryan said that if Rodgers returns to the Jets, he will end his “country club.”

“Clearly, when you have a guy that doesn’t show up for mandatory minicamp — and by the way, he’s your quarterback coming off an injury — I think that’s an absolutely ridiculous message you send to the team,” Ryan said.

“If he comes back, things would be different. If he’s back, it ain’t gonna be the country club, show up whenever the hell you want to show up. That ain’t gonna happen.”

On Tuesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced Saleh as one of the eight people they have requested to interview for their coaching vacancy. Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Ravens OC Todd Monken, Bills OC Joe Brady, Buccaneers OC Liam Coen, Lions OC Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Raiders DC Patrick Graham are the other coaches Jacksonville has requested.

Jets owner Woody Johnson fired Saleh on Oct. 8 after the team got off to a 2-3 start after beginning the season with high expectations following Aaron Rodgers‘ return from his season-ending Achilles injury. Saleh, 45, was 20-36 in three-plus seasons and never led the Jets to a playoff appearance.

Saleh’s tenure with the Jets will be remembered for his excellent defenses but also for the decision to draft Zach Wilson with the second overall pick in 2021. In three seasons, Wilson passed for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions before he was traded to the Broncos last offseason.

Before he became the Jets’ coach, Saleh was a linebackers coach in Jacksonville for three seasons (2014-16). He left the Jaguars in 2017 and became the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, where he stayed for four seasons before taking over the Jets.

Saleh joined the Packers as an offensive consultant on Oct. 23, weeks after the Jets fired him. Therefore, the Jaguars must request an interview with him. Green Bay plays Philadelphia on Sunday in the NFC Wild Card round.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur and Saleh are friends, having first worked together as graduate assistants at Central Michigan University in 2004.

The Jaguars fired former coach Doug Pederson after three seasons following a 4-13 campaign that fell below expectations. He ended his tenure in Jacksonville with a 22-29 record, having registered a 9-8 record during his first two seasons with an AFC South title and playoff win in 2022.

After Johnson fired Saleh, the Jets completely collapsed under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. Gang Green finished 3-9 under Ulbrich and 5-12 overall. The Jets have not made the playoffs in 14 seasons, the longest playoff drought in North American sports.

In addition to finishing with a losing record for the ninth straight season, the Jets defense was subpar after Ulbrich became the interim coach. Although they finished third in yards allowed, the Jets allowed 23.8 points per game, higher than they did during the 2023 season (20.9).

The Jets began their coaching search before the end of the season. Johnson enlisted The 33rd Team, a media and consulting group led by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and former Dolphins and Vikings GM Rick Spielman, to assist them in their general manager and coaching searches. Johnson also fired general manager Joe Douglas on Nov. 19.

The Jets have already interviewed former Titans coach Mike Vrabel and former Panthers and Commanders coach Ron Rivera for the coaching position. On Tuesday, the Jets also interviewed former coach Rex Ryan for the vacant position.

On Monday, Adams told reporters Rodgers’ status will impact the 32-year-old’s future with the team.

“Yeah, for sure,” Adams said. “I don’t know what his plans are yet and where that’s headed, but I would imagine it would have something to do with it.”

Adams was then asked if he would be open to returning to the Jets if Rodgers did not come back.

“Potentially, potentially,” Adams says. “It just would have to have to depend on everything.”

The Jets acquired Adams in a midseason trade with the Raiders on Oct. 15, hoping he would be the missing piece to their offense following a 2-4 start and the firing of coach Robert Saleh a week earlier. However, the Jets won just three games after the Adams trade, and their offense was inconsistent after the team finished 5-12 and 24th overall offensively (310.3).

Adams is under contract for the 2025 and 2026 seasons at $35.64 million each year. Gang Green is projected to have $29.4 million in salary cap space and is unlikely to pay Adams that much money going into his age 33 and 34 seasons.

If Adams wants to remain with the Jets, he knows he must rework his contract. Much of that could depend on whether Rodgers returns to the Jets, retires, or is released.

Adams was excited to be reunited with Rodgers after the two played eighth seasons together with the Packers (2014-21). Rodgers remained in Green Bay one more season in 2022, but Adams was traded to the Raiders that offseason and signed a five-year, $141.25 million contract extension in Las Vegas, making him the highest-paid wide receiver at the time.

However, after more than two seasons, Adams asked to be traded last September, and the Raiders eventually accommodated his request. This season, Adams finished with 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns despite battling a hip injury.

“I don’t deserve a purple heart, but it’s definitely something that was nagging and painful,” Adams said. “But I’ve played through tougher injuries before.”

Rodgers’ future with the Jets is currently in limbo. With a new coach and general manager coming in 2025 after Joe Douglas was fired in November, the Jets could move on from Rodgers, who has zero guaranteed money on his contract. If he remains with the Jets, Rodgers is on the books for $37.5 million in 2025, with a dead cap hit of $49 million as his salary cap if he is released.

Rodgers could also retire, and he told reporters Sunday night that he would take some time to rest mentally and physically before deciding his future.

“I don’t know, I honestly don’t know,” Rodgers said. “If I did, I don’t know that I’d tell you, so I will say that out of respect, but truthfully, I don’t know.

“I’m looking forward to those conversations with Woody [Johnson] and Christopher [Johnson] and Hymie [Elhai] and Phil [Savage] and anybody else. It feels good to be able to do some of the things the last five or six weeks that I knew I was capable of doing even at 40, 41, but either way, I won’t be upset or offended, whatever they decide to do, if they want to move on, and if I still want to play and if not I’ll let them know at some point if that’s the case.”

The Jets could decide to rebuild after putting all their chips on the table, trying to end their 14-year playoff drought and reach a Super Bowl. Given their ages, it’s hard to envision Adams and Rodgers returning to a rebuilding situation, which could take years for the team to compete. The Garrett Wilson aspect could also affect an Adams/Rodgers return to the Jets.

At times this season, Wilson appeared unhappy with the lack of targets he received during various games. During the Jets’ victory at Jacksonville last month, he was seen blowing up on the sideline. He also only received three targets during the first 55 minutes of the Dec. 22 loss to the Rams.

After Adams was acquired by the Jets, he received 114 targets and caught 67 receptions. Wilson, who was Rodgers’ second option, registered 87 targets and 60 receptions.

“I’d like to be involved, love to make an impact on the game, but people see it differently,” Wilson said after losing to the Rams. “That’s out of my control.”

If Adams does not return to the Jets, they must find a way to replace his production opposite Wilson. He would also be a free agent for the first time in his career, which intrigues Adams.

“I don’t know because I came here in hopes that I wouldn’t have to find a new home,” Adams said. “So, it’s kind of bittersweet.

“I guess it’s cool to be able to control where you go and I’ve done that still under contract. It’s a tough one, but obviously being able to have some control in this situation would be nice. I don’t know, we’ll see.”

A day before the scheduled meeting with Jets owner Woody Johnson, Ryan believes he’s the best candidate for the job and that he will get his old job back.

“Oh, 100%. Absolutely I do,” Ryan said on ESPN New York. “And the reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy and it ain’t close.”

The Jets are looking for both a new coach and general manager following a disappointing 5-12 season. Last October, Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start. A month later, Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas, who was in the final year of his six-year contract.

The 33rd Team, a media and consulting group led by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and former Dolphins and Vikings GM Rick Spielman, was hired by the Jets in November to assist them in their general manager and coaching searches. 

Both Ryan and Tannenbaum both work as analysts for ESPN.

Ryan has been actively campaigning to become the Jets coach for months. From 2009-14, Ryan was the coach of the Jets and had a lot of early success. Gang Green made back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010. However, the team has not made the playoffs since.

Ryan registered a 46-50 record during his six seasons with the Jets. However, during his final four years as coach, he was 23-36, with zero playoff appearances, before he was fired following the 2014 season.

Ryan then joined the Bills as coach from 2015-16 before he was fired after two seasons. He has not coached since being fired by Buffalo.

Entering the 2024 season, the Jets had playoff and Super Bowl aspirations. But those dreams quickly evaporated after Saleh was fired. Jeff Ulbrich, who served as interim coach, went 3-9 in his 12 games.

The Jets have already been busy interviewing coaching candidates. Last week, they interviewed former Titans coach Mike Vrabel and former Panthers and Commanders coach Ron Rivera. They also have requested to interview Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, according to reports.

Ryan believes he can help reenergize the Jets fan base and organization compared to Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is expected to be a hot candidate during this year’s hiring cycle. Johnson is not expected to interview with the Jets, according to a source.

“The thing you have to do, you have to connect with your football team, you have to connect with your fan base,” Ryan said. “The way they play, that’s the most important thing.

“Not just the Xs and Os and all that. This Ben Johnson, I love him. I absolutely love him. But I’m a better candidate for this job than he would be.”

One of the Jets’ most important decisions this offseason is whether to keep Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback. Rodgers, 41, has no remaining guaranteed money on his contract. With a new regime coming in, the team could choose to move on from Rodgers, whose play was uneven throughout the 2024 season.

If Rodgers is on the roster in 2025, he will make a non-guaranteed $37.5 million, with a dead cap hit of $49 million, as his salary cap total increases from $17.1 million to $23.5 million. Ryan said that if he is on the team in 2025, he will end what he called Rodgers’ “country club” atmosphere.

“Clearly, when you have a guy that doesn’t show up for mandatory minicamp — and by the way, he’s your quarterback coming off an injury — I think that’s an absolutely ridiculous message you send to the team,” Ryan said. “If he comes back, things would be different. If he’s back, it ain’t gonna be the country club, show up whenever the hell you want to show up.

“That ain’t gonna happen. I’ll just leave it at that.”