Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, with whom the Jets have received permission to speak, saw his ravenous unit have a superb game yesterday as Baltimore buried the Dolphins, 27-9, in an AFC wild-card game.

The Ravens confused Chad Pennington, making four interceptions and forcing five turnovers against a team that tied the NFL record with 13 this year. "It would be safe to say the Jets were paying very close attention to that game," an NFL source said.

The NFL Network reported yesterday that former Ravens coach Brian Billick will interview with the Jets this week and cited a source who said Billick is "a viable candidate for the Jets' job." A source close to the search didn't dispute the report but did say, "No interview has been scheduled."

Also, fired Broncos coach Mike Shanahan appears to be back in play for the Jets. He had told the NFL Network he planned to wait two weeks before talking to any team, which initially helped influence the Jets to move on. But less than 24 hours after they declared Shanahan off their radar, there were indications the Jets, with plenty to keep themselves busy with, are willing to wait the two weeks.

Another report said Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks will interview this week, but the same source said that as of last night, no interview was scheduled. The same goes for Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm, who has drawn interest from the Jets.

It was thought that no assistants in the wild-card round could interview before their season ends, but according to the league's anti-tampering policy, they can be interviewed this week at a place and time deemed convenient to their team.

There were conflicting reports surrounding Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski. The NFL Network said he will interview tomorrow; an ESPN report late last night said the interview will take place today. If either turns out to be true, it would contradict his comments to The Boston Globe Saturday when, asked about reports of the Jets' interest, he said, "I haven't talked to them and no one has contacted me."

It is shaping up as a busy week for the Jets, who have spoken to three candidates. Two from Mangini's staff - offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and offensive line coach Bill Callahan - interviewed Friday and were said to have made good presentations. The same goes for Spagnuolo, who visited Saturday. But determining a "leader" at this point is akin to naming a Team of the Year at midseason.

CBS analyst Bill Cowher, with whom the Jets originally planned to talk, reiterated yesterday that he's not interested in any opening. "The timing right now is not right," Cowher said on "The NFL Today". "I don't plan on coaching next year." He said he is "taking it year to year" on when he might coach again.

The Rex Ryan file

NFL RESUME

Hired by his father, Buddy, to coach Cardinals' defensive line (1994)

Hired by Ravens as defensive line coach (1999).

Ryan is the only remaining Ravens assistant from the 2000 Super Bowl XXXV champions.

Promoted to defensive coordinator (2005).

Was honored as NFL assistant coach of the year in 2006 after Baltimore defense was ranked No. 1 in the league.

COLLEGE

Played at Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Coached defensive ends at Eastern Kentucky (1987-88); assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at New Mexico Highlands (1989); defensive coordinator at Morehead State (1990-93), University of Cincinnati (1996-97) and Oklahoma (1998).

PERSONAL

BORN Dec. 13, 1962, in Ardmore, Okla.

FAMILY TREE Father, Buddy, was defensive coordinator for the 1985 Super Bowl champion Bears; twin, Rob, is defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders.