NEW YORK — The New York Jets will talk to former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher about their vacant coaching job, a person familiar with the search told The Associated Press today.

While no formal discussions have been scheduled yet, the team plans to speak soon with the former Super Bowl-winning coach, according to the person who requested anonymity because the individual was not authorized to discuss the search.

Cowher has also expressed interest in the job that opened Monday, the person said, when the Jets fired Eric Mangini after three seasons.

The Jets also will meet with New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on Saturday, according to another person familiar with the coaching search.

Jets owner Woody Johnson made it clear that he prefers to keep football, business and coaching duties separate. Any coach the Jets hire would have to fit into that structure.

The person told the AP that Cowher has not given the Jets the impression he must have total control of personnel.

Cowher has worked as a studio analyst for CBS since resigning as the Pittsburgh Steelers coach after the 2006 season. He was also a candidate for the vacant Cleveland job, but told owner Randy Lerner that he has no intention of returning to coaching in 2009.

The 51-year-old Cowher was 161-99-1 in 15 seasons with the Steelers, including a Super Bowl victory in 2006.