John Clayton of ESPN is reporting that the New York Jets have denied the Tennessee Titans permission to interview offensive line coach Bill Callahan for their offensive coordinator position. The Jets are well within their rights to deny the Titans as Callahan is under contract for the 2011 season, and is not being interviewed for a head coach position. If the Titans were offering a head coach opportunity Gang Green would not be allowed to block the request.
There are two ways to look at this move by the Jets. From an organizational standpoint Bill Callahan is one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL, therefore it is a no-brainer to want to retain him. In addition, if offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer leaves next year, Callahan could easily take over the play calling responsibilities which would keep some form of continuity for quarterback Mark Sanchez.
From the assistant coaches perspective this is the second time the Jets have blocked a coach from interviewing for a better position (Gang Green also denied a request for Dennis Thurman). Rex Ryan has always preached about how he loves to promote his coaches, even allowing them access to the media. Does it not seem a bit hypocritical to start blocking interviews? I don’t think this move is going to ruffle any feathers in the locker room, but it will be interesting to see how Ryan handles his coaching staff going forward.
For the record I am glad that the Jets are retaining Callahan as I cannot see Schottenheimer lasting more than next season. In all honesty I believe he would have been gone this year if not for his pricey salary, which is believed to be around $1 million dollars.