The New York Jets have requested an interview with Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. for their head coaching vacancy, according to multiple reports.
Whitt joined Washington’s coaching staff this offseason after working under coach Dan Quinn for four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.
The Commanders have not said whether they would approve the interview request.
Under NFL guidelines, the Jets could conduct a three-hour virtual interview with Whitt at any time if the Commanders approve it. They’ll have to wait until Washington has been eliminated from the playoffs for an in-person conversation.
Whitt joins a crowded group of contenders for New York’s opening: interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Maryland coach Mike Locksley, New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and former NFL coaches Rex Ryan, Ron Rivera and Matt Nagy are also being considered.
The Commanders could lose both of their coordinators this offseason after an unexpectedly quick turnaround resulted in a 12-5 regular season record and the franchise’s first playoff win in 19 years.
The Chicago Bears and the Saints have already issued interview requests for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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