It looks like Doug Marrone doesn’t plan to kiss Rex Ryan’s rings.
Marrone, the new head coach of the Bills, has sought permission to interview Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, according to ESPN.com.
Pettine has served as defensive coordinator of the Jets for four seasons, taking the job when Ryan was hired as head coach. But Pettine’s contract has expired, and he is free to leave the Jets for the Bills or any other team.
For Marrone, an offensive specialist, the identity of his defensive coordinator will be critical to Marrone’s eventual success. Or lack thereof.
The lack thereof in New York has created a situation in which Ryan will be on the hot seat in 2013, and that’s enough reason for Pettine to move on and/or move out.
UPDATE 7:54 p.m. ET: Per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets have granted the Bills’ request for permission to interview Pettine.