Per Rich Cimini, these are the preliminary GM candidates....
Jerry Angelo, former Bears GM -- A well-respected football man who built the Bears' 2006 Super Bowl team. He went 87-73 during an 11-year run as the Bears' GM. Spent last season out of football, looking to get back in.
David Caldwell, Falcons, director of player personnel -- A Bill Polian protege who spent a decade as a Colts scout. Has been linked to several potential openings. Has spent only one season in current role, working with highly regarded GM Thomas Dimitroff.
Joey Clinkscales, Raiders, director of player personnel -- Knows the ins and outs of the Jets' organization, having served as vice president of college scouting from 2008 to 2012. Prior to that, he was a longtime scout for the Jets.
Scott Cohen, Jets, assistant GM -- The top in-house candidate. Has worked closely with Tannenbaum since 2008, mostly scouting in pro personnel. Previously, worked for the Eagles.
Eric DeCosta, Ravens, assistant GM -- Has been linked to several GM openings in recent years, but signed a lucrative deal last January to remain with Ravens. Seen as Ozzie Newsome's heir apparent. Has a background with Ryan.
John Dorsey, Packers, director of football operations -- Has spent most of his career in Green Bay. Worked at the side of Ron Wolf, one of the best GMs in history. Worked his way up from a college scout.
Brian Gaine, Dolphins, assistant GM -- Considered a rising star in league circles. A native New Yorker, a former practice-squad TE for the Jets and a former Jets scout. Learned the business from Bill Parcells. Strong scouting background. Knows the AFC East.
Tom Gamble, 49ers, director of player personnel -- Has been linked to potential openings in Jacksonville and Cleveland. Served as Jets defensive assistant in 1995-96. Also spent time under Polian with the Colts. Solid resume.
George Kokinis, Ravens, personnel assistant -- Familiar with Ryan from their days in Baltimore together. Has spent most of career with the Ravens, but served as the Browns' GM in 2009 before losing a power struggle to then-coach Eric Mangini.
Bill Polian, former Colts GM -- One of the most accomplished personnel men in history, having built Super Bowl teams in Buffalo and Indianapolis. Now works as an ESPN analyst. The question is, at age 70, does he want back in?
Anyone with significant experience within the Jets organization shouldn't be considered. Out of this list, I think I like Decosta and Dorsey the best. Gamble and Caldwell wouldn't be bad either.
Polian or Angelo wouldn't be a disaster, but I'd prefer someone a little younger. Clinksales and Cohen shouldn't be even considered.