Jets contact BC's Jagodzinski

Unknown whether meeting will occur

By Mark Blaudschun

Globe Staff / January 4, 2009

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Boston College football coach Jeff Jagodzinski has been contacted by the New York Jets about becoming their next head coach, according to sources at the school.

Jagodzinski's name was first mentioned in published reports yesterday, but when reached about any interest or contact, Jagodzinski was firm in his denial.

"Not true," he said. "Where did you hear that?"

When told it was in a published report, Jagodzinski said, "Well, there's nothing to it. I haven't talked to them and no one has contacted me."

Later in the day, sources at BC, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the Jets had indeed contacted Jagodzinski, although there was no certainty a meeting would take place.

Until the Jets hire a new coach, rumors will continue to surface, and Jagodzinski - who has eight years of NFL experience, including a year as the Packers' offensive coordinator in 2006 with current Jets quarterback Brett Favre - could be a candidate for other jobs.

Since Jagodzinski is in the middle of a recruiting season at BC, both sides wanted to maintain the lowest profile in case the deal did not work out. Jagodzinski has won 20 games in two years at The Heights, and is coming off back-to-back division championships.

The Jets interviewed Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo yesterday. Spagnuolo, one of the team's top candidates, also met Thursday with Cleveland and Detroit about their openings, and was scheduled to talk to Denver last night.

The Jets spoke with current assistants Bill Callahan and Brian Schottenheimer in the first round of interviews since the team fired Eric Mangini last Monday.

The Jets received permission to speak with Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, but won't be able to meet with him until the Ravens' season is over or during the off week before the Super Bowl, if they make it. Similarly, the Jets wouldn't be allowed to offer Spagnuolo a job until the Giants' season ends.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.