Aaron Rodgers says his future with Jets hinges on new GM, HC - ESPN

Like everyone else who follows the New York Jets, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is waiting for the team to fill its head coach and general-manager vacancies. His future likely depends on the outcomes.

Rodgers, in his first public comments since the Jets' season ended, told «The Pat McAfee Show» on Thursday that he briefly discussed his future in exit meetings with team ownership. He made it sound like the incoming leadership tandem, not owner Woody Johnson, will determine if he's back in 2025.

«I think everybody understands that it's going to come down to a GM and a coach and myself and whether we all want to do a dance together or if it's not in the cards,» said Rodgers, whose relationship with Johnson has appeared strained at times.

In their far-reaching searches, the Jets have interviewed and requested interviews with no fewer than 33 candidates for both positions.

On Thursday morning, they spoke with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the 11th known candidate to interview for the head-coaching position. They also were scheduled Thursday to interview Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

On the schedule Friday are Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, according to sources. By rule, all interviews must be done virtually. On Monday, they can start in-person interviews with coaches whose seasons are over.

Their GM search, which kicked off exactly one month ago, has included interviews with 15 candidates. They're expected to pare the field for a second round of interviews. In theory, they could make a hire by early next week, which would allow the new GM to participate in the next round of coaching interviews.

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