A general manager who has a keen football knowledge must be set in place by Jets’ team owner Woody Johnson before a new head coach can be chosen.

But here’s a look at some potential head coaching candidates for the Jets once they hire a GM:

* Marvin Lewis, the Ravens’ defensive coordinator who’s directed a record-breaking season. He could come with potential GM Tom Donahoe or any other GM.

* Dom Capers, Jaguars’ defensive coordinator and former head coach of Carolina. He could come as a package deal with Donahoe.

* Walt Harris, head coach of the University of Pittsburgh. A former Jet quarterbacks coach from the Bruce Coslet regime who could come with Donahoe.

* Chan Gailey, the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator, who recently was given a contract extention.

* Maurice Carthon, the Jets’ running backs/assistant head coach. He was an odds-on favorite if Bill Parcells stayed and now is somewhat of a longshot, though Parcells told Carthon he might get an interview anyway.

* John Fox, the Giants’ defensive coordinator, whose presence is gaining steam in the playoffs.

* Mike Heimerdinger, the Titans’ offensive coordinator.

* Greg Williams, the Titans’ defensive coordinator.

* Ted Cottrell, the Bills’ defensive coordinator, though he might be hired up there.