Report: Jets Snubbed by two “big name” Def Coordinators; a Look at Senior Bowl QBs

As the Jets defensive coordinator search continues, Connor Hughes of SNY had an interesting tidbit on his Jets Final Drive podcast with Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.  According to Hughes, two “big name” candidates have told the Jets that they have no interest in interviewing to work for the Jets at this time.  Rosenblatt would add that his understanding is that it’s “more than two”.

But while the search may not be going as well as hoped, the pair claims that well-known coordinator Wink Martindale has emerged as the current favorite to land the job.  Martindale coached in the NFL from 2004-20023, spending seven of those seasons as a defensive coordinator for the Broncos, Ravens, and Giants.  He has spent the past twos seasons in the college ranks for Michigan.

As far as the offensive side of the football, particularly at quarterback, the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL is just around the corner, and there will be six QB’s on hand.

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU: Viewed as a lock to go in round 1 this year, Nussmeier had a disastrous year that how has him pegged as a mid-round pick.  Some speculate he was playing with an injury in 2025, so this will be a chance for the signal caller to raise his stock once again in a weak quarterback class.

Taylen Green, Arkansas: The 6′ 6” Green has elite athletic traits but fell flat for much of 2025.  After starting off hot with ten touchdown passes in his first two games, Green would throw just nine more over the course of the remainder of the season.  Mobile will be a chance for Green to work with a more talented group of receivers but will have to show improved accuracy if he hopes to impress scouts.

Sawyer Robertson, Baylor: Robertson is an aggressive downfield thrower who shows elite ball placement deep down the field and likes to find man coverage and air it out when opponents blitz.  He’s also more than willing to hang in the pocket do deliver a deep shot but will offer less than any other QB in mobile as a runner.

Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: An underdog who always seems to find a way to pull out a win or keep Vandy competitive.  There are serious concerns regarding his height as some suggest he’ll check in at 5′ 9” in Indy.  This would be a major blow for a QB who likely irked some teams with his social media meltdown after not winning the Heisman.

Luke Altmyer, Illinois: A guy who does a lot of things well but nothing exceptional.  Good arm strength and athleticism for Altmyer who logged 44 TD’s to just 11 INT’s over his final two college seasons.  A ‘steady Eddie” type who could be a day 3 pick and potential long-term backup.

Cole Payton, NDSU: If the New Orleans Saints feel it’s time to move on from Taysom Hill, Payton could be the perfect replacement.  His speed and athleticism is beyond impressive and we expect him to run the fastest 40 among QB’s in Indy.  This isn’t to say he can’t wow you with an eye popping throw from time to time, but no matter the plan for Payton, he’s likely a multi-year project.

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