Brett Favre appears to be leaning toward retirement.

For now.

But if previous offseasons are any indication, be sure to check back next week.

Favre, in his first public comments since after last Sunday's season-ending loss to the Dolphins, gave the impression to Sports Illustrated's Peter King, in a conversation Friday night, that he will retire.

According to the report on si.com, Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum told Favre on Monday to "take all the time" he needs to decide on next season.

King wrote that Favre responded, "I'll take some time, but it may be time to look in a different direction" as far as the Jets' quarterback position is concerned.

Sources have said that although the Jets have not given Favre a hard deadline to make a decision, at the very latest, they would like one by the NFL combine in late February.

Sources also have said that whomever the Jets hire as the new coach will have a "significant" say in whether he wants Favre as the quarterback.

Meanwhile, New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, reportedly the Jets' No. 1 choice to replace Eric Mangini, met with club officials yesterday.

According to a league source, all of the candidates, starting with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and offensive line coach/assistant head coach Bill Callahan — both of whom interviewed Friday in what were said to be more than token meetings — ostensibly have gone through two interviews.