NFL Rumors: Jets Don't Feel Lions OC Ben Johnson Would Be a 'Fit' as Their HC

The New York Jets reportedly chose not to submit an interview request for Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson in their search for a new head coach, and it's reportedly because they don't believe he's the right man for the job.

Brian Costello of the New York Post reported that the Jets "do not feel that Johnson would be a fit for them so they are not requesting an interview, according to sources."

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Monday that the Jets weren't expected to put in an interview request for Johnson. Connor Hughes of SNY reported that he's heard that Johnson "does not have interest in the Jets vacancy, and has made that known," though he also added that the Jets had "some questions on how he'd handle" being in the New York market.

While the Jets aren't pursuing Johnson, he's still one of the most coveted coaching candidates this hiring cycle. Under his direction, the Lions led the NFL with 33.2 points per game and ranked second with 409.5 total yards per game on their way to going 15-2 and clinching their second straight NFC North title as well as the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Despite removing Johnson from its crop of potential candidates, New York still has a lengthy list of pursuits this offseason. The team already completed interviews with veteran coaches Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera last week and also met with former Jets head coach Rex Ryan on Tuesday.

New York went 5-12 this season after firing head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas midway through the campaign. The Jets are hoping to find the right candidates to help them end their 14-year playoff drought, but it looks like Johnson isn't an option.