Jets

Defense

Coach Eric Mangini gave Sutton a “mixed” evaluation in his end-of-the-week press conference Friday. The Jets’ defense improved in the second half of the season, but by then it was too late. It’s believed Mangini has interest in adding Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan if he’s fired by Oakland.

Per the New York Post, Pettine is not a “hot candidate,” but several teams are doing their due diligence on his career. The Dolphins are known to be one of them. Rex Ryan has been the architect of the Jets’ defense, which would seem to make Pettine a longshot for a step up the ladder.

Whereas Pettine gradually became the primary play-caller, handling every call during the second half of the 2012 season, Thurman is expected to share those duties with Rex Ryan. Thurman’s secondary has been among the league’s elite units since arriving in New York in 2009. Darrelle Revis has been the NFL’s premier cornerback over that span while Antonio Cromartie is coming off a Pro Bowl-caliber season. Ryan is adamant about returning to a more aggressive, attacking style. He needs an infusion of speed, particularly at linebacker and edge rusher.

Ryan’s job is safe through 2013, but he’s pressing on without OC Tony Sparano, GM Mike Tannenbaum and Pettine -- whose contract expired after the 2012 season. Pettine is interviewing for the Bills’ defensive coordinator position Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Jets are expected to promote secondary coach Dennis Thurman to defensive coordinator. “I don’t think I’ve done as good a job of implementing who I am throughout this team,” Ryan said. “I want a physical, aggressive, attack style.”

Manish Mehta of the Daily News says it’s unlikely that owner Woody Johnson would fire Ryan with two years and $6 million left on his contract, but the head coach has also been given no assurances on his job security three days before the season comes to a close. “If Woody’s not willing to do what it takes to fix the team, then [Ryan] knows he’s better off being fired,” a team source said. “If Woody is willing to eat some money and spend to get us out of this mess, then it’s worth staying.” The first “fix” would be to replace inept Tony Sparano as offensive coordinator and get a more established mind on that side of the ball as Rex handles the defense. Ryan has obviously contributed to the mess in New York, but GM Mike Tannenbaum’s horrible personnel and financial decisions at quarterback and on offense have sunk the franchise. "[Ryan] won’t quit,” a team official said.

Ryan deemed the report “untrue,” saying “This is the only team that I want to coach. Period. This is my team. These are my players. I don’t want to coach any other players.” According to ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini, Ryan became so emotional at Friday’s practice that he “was actually crying.” With Mike Tannenbaum expected to be fired or demoted by Black Monday, the Jets’ next general manager will determine Ryan’s fate in New York.

Pettine is a coaching free agent in 2013. He reportedly drew interest for head coaching jobs a year ago, though he wasn’t a “hot candidate.” It’s doubtful that Pettine would have a realistic shot to run his own team after the disappointing season in New York.

Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot also reports Heckert is being “heavily” pursued by another team, but that it’s not Arizona. Heckert left behind a mixed legacy in Cleveland — specifically, he was far too timid — but is miles ahead of former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum in talent evaluation. It doesn’t sound like he’ll remain out of work for long.

It’s unclear why Ross pulled out of the Jets’ search, but it’s quite clear there’s something pushing candidates away from Gang Green. Ross was a finalist for the Panthers’ GM job, but was beaten out by fellow Giants’ front-office man Dave Gettleman. Ross will remain with the Giants as perhaps GM Jerry Reese’s top assistant. The Jets, meanwhile, will continue to search high and low for someone willing to take on their cap issues and Mark Sanchez.

It’s similar to Phil Emery’s arrangement with the Bears last season. The Jets’ caveat could end up costing them a respected up-and-coming talent evaluator if Tom Gamble (49ers), Marc Ross (Giants), David Caldwell (Falcons), or John Dorsey (Packers) decides he would rather bring in someone who shares his own philosophy.