Mike McCarthy Reportedly Only Wants to Be Considered for Jets Head Coach Job

Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has narrowed his list of preferred destinations to one team: the New York Jets.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that McCarthy "doesn't want to be considered [for] and isn't pursuing" any openings aside from the Jets'.

The Jets finished 4-12 in 2018, and they've won 14 combined games over the past three seasons. Still, McCarthy's desire to land in the Big Apple is understandable.

Rookie Sam Darnold threw for 2,865 yards and 17 touchdowns with 15 interceptions in 2018. He looked better as the year went on, throwing for 931 yards and six touchdowns with one interception in four December games.

The Jets also have $99.4 million in salary-cap space. Losing out on Kirk Cousins in free agency last year proved to be a blessing in disguise. Not only does New York have its franchise quarterback, but it also maintained financial flexibility ahead of the 2019 season.

Of course, there's still the matter of McCarthy actually getting hired by the Jets.

The team has interviewed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Kris Richard, among others. The Athletic's Bruce Feldman reported Monday the Jets also met with Kliff Kingsbury, though the Arizona Cardinals announced Tuesday they hired Kingsbury.

As much as McCarthy achieved with the Packers, the team began going backward in 2018. The offense in particular didn't adapt to the changing NFL—not something that will appeal to a team banking on a young quarterback.

McCarthy has plenty of competition for the Jets job, and New York has some cause for concern regarding his candidacy, so he might be taking a risk by limiting his opportunities so much.