COHEN'S CORNER SPORTS

ESPN is reporting that the Jets and Ravens Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan have agreed in principle to a four year contract to become the next head coach of the New York Jets. Ryan helped lead a Ravens D that was second in the NFL in total defense; the Ravens made it to their second AFC Championship game in franchise history, only to lose to Pittsburgh 23-14, Sunday night. The move ends what has been a bizarre three weeks for the Jets; they fired Eric Mangini as a scapegoat for Brett Favre's nine interceptions in the final five weeks of the season. The Jets move to terminate Mangini looked that much worse when Jets owner Woody Johnson decided to spend a week on vacation when a more credible coach, like Bill Cowher, was avaiable for an interview. Cowher had a slight interest in coming to the Jets but was turned off by Johnson's seemingly disinterested approach to talking to him by spending time away from the Jets facility. Other coaches like Jon Gruden, Mike Shanahan, Brian Bill...

After an initial agreement to meet by his agents that was followed by 24 hours of speculation that the Jets were on pace to make Bill Cowher their next head coach, the former Steelers coach told the Jets, in effect, thanks, but no thanks. Cowher will not be the next head coach of the New York Jets. "After reaching out to Coach Cowher's representatives, we were informed tonight that he is not a candidate for the position," Jets spokesman Bruce Speight told the Associated Press on Tuesday night ( ESPN ). So, where does this leave the Jets? In panic mode, one would think. The Jets will now turn to other options like Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnoulu, who has gained popularity in New York for his part in the Giants Super Bowl title last season but has no pervious head coaching experience. The Jets could also look within to Brian Schottenheimer, who has drawn the ire of Jet fans for his rather stale offensive play-calling. The Jets could also look to Brian's f...

According to New York sports radio WFAN, the Jets have made contact with Bill Cowher's agent and the two sides have agreed to meet and discuss the coaching vacancy. It is not known what demands Cowher has for the job, i.e. money, years, front office positions; but, those issues will be brought up when the two sides meet. According to ESPN, Cowher wants to have power in deciding who the General Manager will be, and the Jets, apparently. are more than willing to accomidate his desires. ESPN also reports that Cowher may address the situation on Sunday when he goes on the air for CBS's coverage of the Miami Dolphins/Baltimore Ravens Wild Card game. Other candidates include Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnoulu and former Chargers Head Coach Marty Shottenheimer, whose son, Brian, is the Jets Offensive Coordinator.