Brian Schottenheimer is a wanted man in NFL coaching circles, but for now, he’s happy to stay right where he is.
According to ESPN.com, the Jets’ offensive coordinator declined an invitation to interview for the Buffalo Bills’ vacant head-coaching position. The Jets granted the Bills permission to talk with the 36-year-old Schottenheimer, even though the team is preparing for a trip to face the 13-3 San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
"I'd love to be a head coach, but I say that with an asterisk," Schottenheimer told reporters after the Jets 24-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC wild card round. "That's my dream, but I want to be a head coach when the time is right, when the situation is right. I don't want to just take a job to take a job.
Whether it was the time or the situation that’s keeping him in the southern part of New York (or rather, northern New Jersey) and away from the 6-10 Bills is unclear, but he reiterated the mantra he’s had all season: He’s more than happy with the Jets.
"For the first time in three years, I'm really, really happy,” Schottenheimer said. “I'm happy working for Rex [Ryan], I love the area, I love the Jets fans, I love what we've done [and] I love the guys on our roster."
It’s safe to say Schottenheimer would be even happier if the Jets and their No. 1 rushing offense can get by the Chargers. If the Jets lose to the AFC West champions, Schottenheimer would become free to interview with any other team with an opening for head coach.
"I realize we're probably only going to have him for as long as we're in this tournament," Ryan said, "but we're enjoying it right now."
Schottenheimer has previously interviewed with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens and Jets for open head coach spots. If he gets a head-coaching gig this offseason, he would be one of the youngest head coaches in the league, joining the under-40 club with the likes of Denver’s Josh McDaniels, Tampa Bay’s Raheem Morris, Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin and former Jets and current Browns head coach Eric Mangini.
