Deion Sanders gives final ultimatum to Jets after Louis Riddick’s interview

The New York Jets have interviewed Louis Riddick for the GM position as well as Ron Rivera for their vacant head coach position.

Deion Sanders gives final ultimatum to Jets after Louis Riddick’s interview

Deion Sanders wants the New York Jets not make Louis Riddick's interview a Rooney Rule pacifier (Image via Imago/X)

The New York Jets are not wasting any time trying to interview as many candidates for both the GM as well as head coaching positions. Since they have to wait to interview personnel from playoff teams, they took the time to interview Louis Riddick and Ron Rivera.

Ron Rivera has been a head coach nearly thirteen years has extensive experience in handling superstar players as well as young and upcoming ones. That led him to land an interview with the Jets. With the franchise looking towards hiring a head coach who can steer a possible rebuild, Rivera was a likely candidate.

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Louis Riddick on the other hand was an executive for close to 14 years in the league. Based on that experience the Jets called the 55-year-old ESPN analyst in for an interview for the GM position. When news of this was shared by Adam Schefter, it came to the attention of Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders. He replied to Schefter’s message writing.

Jets Please don’t mess this up and I pray this was a real interview and not that other thang y’all do. This man deserves a REAL CHANCE! He is knowledge & Class personified!

Deion Sanders wrote

His words were directed at the Rooney Rule which all NFL teams have to abide by. That is, teams have to conduct interview candidates of color so as to give them a fair chance at getting the job. Deion Sanders asked the franchise to give Riddick the job for which he qualifies and deserves.

Louis Riddick and Ron Rivera as candidates for New York Jets jobs

Louis Riddick was never a GM in his fourteen-year career as an executive. However, he was promoted twice to the role of Director of Pro Personnel with the then Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Louis Riddick and Ron Rivera interviewed for the GM and head coaching positions
Louis Riddick and Ron Rivera interviewed for the GM and head coaching positions (Image via X)

With the Eagles, he was part of the Andy Reid era that failed to deliver results despite the promise. However, Riddick was part of the think tank that brought in the likes of Brandon Graham, Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox. However, this is his fourth major interview in the last four years.

The references from Deion Sanders and ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith might give the New York Jets something to think about. But they have interviewed other candidates and will keep doing so until they finalize on Joe Douglas‘ replacement.

Ron Rivera is in a similar boat. The Washington Commanders fired him after an underwhelming four seasons. Since then, the team with largely the same players and a rookie QB have booked their place in the playoffs.

That could weigh against him as the New York Jets are looking towards building a successful football club. With Aaron Rodgers seemingly done after two seasons with the team, their focus will be on a rebuild. Satisfying the Rooney Rule just to hire a colored head coach or GM might not interest them. They want to win with the right people leading them.