Jets confirm Cowher not coaching candidate

NEW YORK, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The New York Jets say former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher is not interested in becoming the Jets' coach next season.

A Jets spokesman said representatives for Cowher had informed the NFL franchise that the former Steelers coach should not be considered a candidate for the Jets' head coach vacancy, Newsday said Wednesday.

"After reaching out to coach Cowher's representatives, we were informed tonight that he is not a candidate for the position," the unidentified spokesman said Tuesday.

The Jets management fired head coach Eric Mangini following the end of the NFL regular season last Sunday.

Cowher, who coached the Steelers to a Super Bowl XL win, has also informed Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner he has no interest in taking over for fired head coach Romeo Crennel.

Sources told Newsday that possible coaching candidates include former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and members of the current Jets' coaching staff.