Could Omar Khan Pave Way For Bill Cowher To New York Jets?

December 24, 2011; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers director of business operations Omar Khan on the field before the game against the St. Louis Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE /

The New York Jets are planning to interview Pittsburgh Steelers Director of Business & Football Administration Omar Khan for their general manager vacancy following the firing of former GM Mike Tannenbaum, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

Khan’s interview with the Jets is expected to take place on Thursday.

His very first gig in the league was with the New Orleans Saints where he was in charge of filming games and practices, along with making travel arrangements for the team.

Khan began his rise through the NFL as a capologist. He was the chief contract negotiator for the Steelers. During that time, he was instrumental in the team’s success — which included two Super Bowl victories.

While the 35-year-old may not be the “football mind” that the Jets had in mind for their general manager vacancy, he could help the Jets land a bigger prize in the future — Bill Cowher.

Rex Ryan is still serving as the Jets head coach and is expected to have one final run with the team, but if Ryan leads the team to another disappointing season he could be ousted.

At that time, Khan could call one his old buddy Cowher to help the Jets return to the top.

Khan and Cowher continue to have a close relationship and it is believed that he would have enough influence to recruit Cowher, who has recently expressed his interest in returning to the coaching game.

If Khan could help the Jets with the numbers game and eventually lead Cowher to the New York sidelines, it would be an incredible hire that puts the Jets back on the right path.

Cowher is not expected to return to coaching in 2013, but Khan could be the man to deliver him to a NFL franchise when he returns to coaching ranks.