(pics of a headset-wearing, clipboard-clutching guy with a mustache are a dime a dozen. So here’s Worcester, MA’s legendary home of bargains-gone-by, instead)

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Bernie Miklasz reports the St. Louis Rams have hired Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnulo as their new head coach, thus making the Raiders and Jets the only NFL franchises with remaining vacancies in that position.  Even prior to the St. Louis announcement, Newsday’s Bob Glauber was quick to advocate Gang Green looking in another direction.

Even with Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan emerging as the favorite, the Jets need to at least investigate the possibility of landing a coach with a Super Bowl championship on his resume. Not only does Jon Gruden™s experience help, especially in the crucible of New York, but if the Jets have any intention of bringing Brett Favre back, then Gruden is certainly a coach who believes in the quarterback. And, if Gruden decides that Favre no longer has it, he™d be able to make the hard decision.

Gruden might ultimately want to step away for a year or two and take time to re-charge the way Bill Cowher has. But if he wants to stick it to his old bosses by getting another job and showing the Glazer family a thing or two, the Jets could be the right spot.

At the very least, the Jets need to kick the tires with Gruden and see if there’s something there. If not, fine. But they at least need to investigate.