Something that’s long been rumored got even closer to being final today, as the Jets are indeed planning on firing Todd Bowles as soon as the season is over, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
While it’s far from a surprise, it appears Bowles’ fate is finally set in stone after he had managed to dodge being fired multiple times in the past. Former Packers coach Mike McCarthy and former Lions coach Jim Caldwell will likely be “among the candidates the Jets interview”, according to Rapoport. Bowles, a Bruce Arians disciple who previously served as Arians’ defensive coordinator with the Cardinals, lasted four years in New York.
Rapoport also added that GM Mike Maccagnan will survive, which has also been expected. Many expected Bowles to be fired last year, but he was able to survive by leading a mostly talentless roster to a very competitive season. They only finished 5-11, but they were way better than expected and Bowles received a lot of praise for guiding the Josh McCown-led team.
But as the losses again piled up this year, it became increasingly clear that Bowles wasn’t the coach that the front office and ownership wanted to pair with Sam Darnold for the future. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates has been singled out for a lot of criticism, and the Jets will very likely be looking for an offensive minded coach. In addition to McCarthy and Caldwell, Jim Harbaugh has also been repeatedly linked to the team, although Jets CEO Christopher Johnson recently denied they were interested.
With Darnold attached and the visibility that comes with the big media market, the opening will likely be one of the more desirable gigs for this cycle’s hottest head coaching candidates. As for Bowles, there’s been talk he could be a head coaching candidate himself for other teams, and he should be able to at least land a job as a defensive coordinator somewhere.
Bowles should have no trouble finding a DC job. Hopefully the Jets move on and hire a coach that can develop Darnold and the offense.
For the longest time I felt like he didn’t have the talent to complete, but they’ve blown a ton of games at the end this season.
Started the season great in Detroit, …. Oh, yeah, … them Lions.
Yes let’s see them get McCrappy and see how fast they go backward. Just ask Aaron Rogers
Toilet bowles ranks with the worst of the worst.. Rick kotite.. Joe must go…. It’s amazing how management keeps picking horrible head coaches
It’s amazing that he’s lasted this long. From not getting the team ready for the game, poor in game management, to his lackluster attitude during and after games. If I had to hear, “we need to work harder, we need to play better” one more time I am gonna do an Elvis and shoot my tv! As for the excuse the Bowles Apologists use, ‘the players love him’, as a former professional athlete, I can tell you this, the lazy player loves a coach who doesn’t have strict rules, doesn’t discipline players for making mental mistakes, or pull them when they are playing 1/2 speed or poorly. A coach who makes everyone accountable earns respect and causes each player to play harder.
Time to get in a new coach.
I’ll take Bowles in Denver
You can have him in Denver and good luck with that
Shocked he kept the job this long. Must speak for how the players feel about him. Hope he lands on his feet cause he seems a good dude
The team has been more competitive than the quality of the talent on the roster would dictate. I don’t think there’s more than 5 NFL starters on this years team
So now all the Jets need is a coach and some talent and they can compete.
They’ve been saying that for 50+ years!
I’d love to see Bowles end up as Andy Reid’s DC in KC next season. Can’t think of a better fit.