Jason La Canfora: Mike Tomlin & Lamar Jackson to the Jets?

The future of the Steelers Hall of Fame head coach and current NBC broadcaster, Mike Tomlin, is turning heads in NFL front offices, as discussions suggest he is going to be the most in demand free agent for a head coach role in NFL history.

But if Tomlin wants to coach again, I can promise you this: NFL owners will be chasing him with open checkbooks, and they might have to outbid the New York Jets.

Are the Jets Going All-In on Tomlin?

Numerous well-placed league sources close to NFL ownership groups,  including teams whose current coaches are already under pressure, have stated that preparations for a potential pursuit of NBC’s Tomlin are taking place at the Jets.

“Woody is starting to ask a lot of questions, he’s already doing his homework on Tomlin,” said one executive who knows Jets owner Woody Johnson quite well. “This one has legs. I’m telling you.

“Mike is in New York where NBC is [studios at Rockefeller Center], Woody is back in the office, he is in charge. He’s around … Woody knows how much competition there is going to be. You are going to hear a lot about the Jets.”

Over the years, Johnson has largely hired first-time head coaches but that could be about to change.

Johnson could now look to follow the lead of his closest rivals, the Giants, who landed proven Super Bowl winner John Harbaugh from Baltimore. Tomlin boasts a similar history and, before leaving Pittsburgh, was the only NFL head coach who had been with the same franchise longer than Harbaugh.

Therefore, landing Tomlin would represent more than just finding a new coach for the Jets. It would be a huge statement. 

According to several sources who know Johnson well, securing Tomlin would be a major triumph for the Jets owner, due to his ability to handle the intense media spotlight that comes with coaching in New York.

However, with multiple teams expected to pursue him, he could command a huge contract and significant control over football operations.

General Managers across the league already believe change is inevitable for the Jets, stating:

“Glenn is a dead-man walking, and he knows it. I hear the same thing about Woody wanting Tomlin. It does make sense. Money wouldn’t be an object.”

Could Tomlin’s Appointment Also Bring Lamar Jackson to New York?

As a direct result of Tomlin’s possible appointment to the Jets, there are discussions within NFL circles that point to a potential move for two-time MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson.

Jackson is effectively entering a lame-duck season with his long-term future in Baltimore uncertain amid contract disagreements.

He also represents himself and may have already ended extension talks with the Ravens, while his current deal carries an $85 million cap hit in 2027, along with no-trade and no-franchise-tag clauses.

As a result of this, numerous GMs and contract negotiators believe Jackson could be seeking this trade, which comes as no surprise following his trade request from last year.

Sources suggest that if Tomlin was to take the job in New York, where the Jets have three first-round picks and 10 selections overall, there is a belief that Jackson would be very interested in exploring the possibility of a move there.

There is a strong existing relationship between Tomlin and Jackson due to the years they spent competing against one another in the AFC North. 

Alongside this, the Jets have already begun making progress rebuilding their defense, making the New York team a more appealing option for the star QB. 

To top things off, Johnson has historically shown a willingness to make bold moves, whilst Tomlin has generally preferred experienced quarterbacks.

When you piece these points together, this potential trade becomes a discussion worth following.

How a Tomlin-Jackson Partnership Could Transform the Jets

One of the NFL’s biggest-market franchises pairing one of the league’s most recognizable coaches with a two-time MVP quarterback would immediately turn the Jets into one of football’s biggest stories.

For a franchise that has spent far too much time being the punchline, a Tomlin-Jackson combination would suddenly make the Jets essential prime-time viewing, and you can bet the NFL wouldn’t mind that one bit.