Buffalo Bills Interviewing Mike Pettine For Defensive Coordinator On Tuesday

Speaking with assembled media on Tuesday, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan confirmed that defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is likely to leave the organization - and that his first interview is with Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone, which is happening today.

"Mike and I have been together for over 10 years," Ryan said today (via The Buffalo News). "He's a tremendous coach." He'd later continue, "We had the conversations, and Mike thinks it's best that he go to a different team as defensive coordinator, and I wish him all the best unless he goes to Buffalo."

Pettine spoke with a reporter on Monday evening and indicated that he'd like to explore opportunities in Buffalo and elsewhere.

"I thought it would be good to be exposed to a different style of coaching, a different system," Pettine told PhillyBurbs.com. "It’s like continuing education, the more things you can expose yourself too, it’s beneficial."

Pettine, 46, is one of two candidates reported to be on Marrone's radar for the defensive coordinator position. The other is current Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.