New York Jets Update: Hire Todd Bowles as Head Coach

By Cheri Cheng - 14 Jan '15 10:00AM

The New York Jets have reportedly hired Todd Bowles as their new head coach. Sources stated that Bowles, one of the league's greatest teachers, accepted the job offer late Tuesday.

Contract details are currently unknown.

"If somebody deems me as a good head coaching candidate, that's flattering, but in the middle of the season, you don't have time for any of that," Bowles had said to USA TODAY Sports in October. "I don't win to prepare to be a head coach. I win to prepare to get to the playoffs and win the Super Bowl."

When asked if Bowles could be a head coach, veteran player defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said in October, "Hell yeah, because he's got communication skills and he's going to tell his players exactly what he needs."

According to Ben Shpigel with the New York Times, Jets owner Woody Johnson and consultants Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf were very impressed with Bowles during their second interview on Tuesday. After the meeting, the Jets decided to cancel their interview with Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

Bowles, 51, was the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals in 2013 and 2014. Prior to the Cardinals, Bowles was the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012 and the interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins. As head coach, Bowles went 2- 1 in 2011. Bowles will be the Jets' sixth head coach with a strong defensive background. He is the fourth coach that Johnson has hired.

Before agreeing to go to New York, the New Jersey native reportedly interviewed with the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers. Over the past six offseasons, Bowles had interviewed for a head coaching position seven times. He has also interviewed at his Alma mater, Temple University.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Jets announced that they hired Mike Maccagnan as their new general manager. Maccagnan was the Texans' director of college scouting.

"We interviewed a number of impressive, qualified candidates, but Mike Maccagnan clearly stood out," Johnson said in a statement. "Mike's attention to detail, strong personnel background and collaborative approach to evaluating players made it clear that he is the right choice to be the next general manager of the New York Jets."

The Jets went 4-12 this season. They have not made a playoff appearance since 2010. The Jets former coach, Rex Ryan was recently hired as the head coach for the Buffalo Bills.