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Premium – Today we get into a little Rex/Buffalo and the twists and turns of the Jets’ coaching search. Let’s go, go, go . . .
Bart Scott was a little critical of Rex Ryan for jumping at the Buffalo Bills’ job today, during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Scott, who is very close with Ryan, feels the coach should have bet on himself, and given the Atlanta situation more time.
I understand what he’s saying, but sometimes you need to be careful with this, “bet on yourself” stuff.
It can leave you out in the cold.
That might happen to Doug Marrone.
As you all know by now, Rex signed a five-year, $27.5 million deal to coach the Bills today.
Scott surmised that Rex is jumping into the same situation he had with the Jets – a team with good defensive talent, but without an answer at quarterback.
Scott is right. The Atlanta job is the best job out there because of Matt Ryan. We will see what happens with Denver.
But here is the deal – perhaps Rex had a shot at the job, but knowing Scott Pioli and Tom Dimitroff, who are kind of co-GM’s down there, they are New England disciples, and Ryan isn’t a Patriots kind of coach – not enough discipline and accountability.
I don’t think they wanted him. However, the owner Arthur Blank can obviously pick whoever he wants.
On paper, Ryan to Atlanta made a lot of sense. They have a franchise quarterback, something Rex has never had, and their defense ranked 32nd this year, so Rex can fix that.
But Rex decided to take the Buffalo job, and stay in the division he knows so well.
One industry insider said to me a couple of hours ago, “I bet it’s Jets-Buffalo in Week One.”
I agree. That is how the NFL’s scheduler Howard Katz usually rolls . . .
Interesting stuff going on with the Jets’ search.
It looks like Mike Maccagnan is a lock to the be the GM. An announcement could be made tomorrow.
I like this choice a lot. I hear great things about him. He is a scouting guru. And after two straight cap guys are GM, the Jets need a sage scout type in the GM post, and that is what they are getting in Maccagnan.
As for the coaching job, Todd Bowles is getting a second interview this week. He’s also a leading candidate in Atlanta.
I actually think Bowles is a better fit for the Jets than Quinn, and here is why.
Bowles is a 3-4 coach with a background with Bill Parcells.
The Jets have been a building a 3-4 defense in the draft and free agency since 2006.
Bowles’ approach is very similar to what the Jets have been doing.
And Maccagnan has been drafting for a 3-4 in Houston for the last eight years, first for Gary Kubiak and then Bill O’Brien.
Bowles did a great job with an Arizona defense this year that was ravaged by injuries and a major suspension. Bowles lost three key players right before the season started with John Abraham retiring due to a concussion, stud DT Darnell Dockett blowing his knee out, and playmaking linebacker Darryl Washington getting suspended for the season due to a substance issue.
There are three very excellent players. but Bowles kept the defense rolling without them.
Honestly, Quinn is a very bright guy, but that is Pete Carroll’s defense. Arizona’s defense the last two years was Bowles’ defense.
I think both Bowles and Quinn are terrific candidates,but Bowles might be a little better fit.
January 12, 2014
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