FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets interviewed former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel on Friday for their head coaching vacancy.
Vrabel is the second known coaching candidate to meet with the Jets, who announced they completed their interview with him. New York also spoke to former Washington and Carolina coach Ron Rivera on Thursday.
Vrabel is expected to be a highly sought candidate during this hiring cycle, and New York got a chance to sit down with him early in the process. New Orleans and Chicago also fired their coaches during the season and will likely be among the teams joining the Jets in searching for replacements.
The 49-year-old Vrabel served in a consultant role with Cleveland this season, but his contract expired earlier this week — allowing him to interview with other teams.
The one-time All-Pro linebacker who helped New England win three Super Bowl titles was 56-48 in six seasons as coach of the Titans, including 2-3 in the postseason. He was fired by Tennessee after a 6-11 finish last season.
The Jets fired coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8 when the team was 2-3 and replaced him on an interim basis with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who is 2-9 heading into New York's season finale Sunday at home against Miami.
Ulbrich said Friday he expects to be given an opportunity next week to interview for the head coach job.
''I, for sure, look forward to that,'' he said. ''But at the same time, I'm in my feet right now. I've got to finish the season right and these players deserve everything I have.''