Report: Shanahan turns down Jets

Jan 3, 2009 - 4:58 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) - Mike Shanahan apparently has joined Bill Cowher as coaches who want no part of the New York Jets.

According to the New York Daily News, Shanahan, who was fired by the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, turned down an opportunity to meet with the Jets.

After posting a 146-91 record in 14 seasons in Denver, Shanahan could be a hot commodity to fill a number of coaching vacancies.

However, the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach told the NFL Network that he is taking a two-week vacation and will not speak to any possible future employers until he returns.

The Daily News reported that Cowher was ready to meet with the Jets on Tuesday, but backed out when he could not meet directly with owner Woody Johnson, who is currently in Europe.

New York, which lost four of its last five games and missed the playoffs despite an 8-3 start, fired Eric Mangini on Monday, one day after a season-ending 24-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

The Jets interviewed assistants Bill Callahan and Brian Schottenheimer on Friday and also have targeted New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who will interview with the team Saturday.

However, the Jets would not be able to hire Spagnuolo -if he was interested - until after the Giants' season ends. The defending Super Bowl champions have a first-round bye in the playoffs as the NFC's top seed.