New York Jets: 3 Potential replacements for Todd Bowles if he’s fired
1. Jeremy Bates
You’re probably thinking this makes no sense based on what he’s doing this season to prove himself. That said, you also have to consider what he’s working with.
He may have a tentative rookie quarterback. He definitely has a bad offensive line, and the weapons are limited due to both their skills and the poor offensive line play. The play calling may seem atrocious, but there are shots down the field in the play design, and they’re just not being attempted. That’s not all his fault.
Keeping Bates would maintain continuity in the organization and keep the second-year quarterback with the coach he’s been working with all season, and that’s a good thing. It’ll give Bates another year with Darnold to make their relationship even stronger.
If Mike Maccagnan improves the offensive line and gives the offense some weapons, this team would be able to grow. Otherwise, Darnold would have to learn a brand new system and so would his teammates. That could potentially set the growth backward.
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You can say that he’s a terrible offensive coordinator, but it seems to be that the play calling is based on the talent on the team and not the ability of the coach. Bates has more experience in the NFL as an assistant than Matt LaFleur and only one year less than John DeFilippo. So, it’s not a huge stretch to allow him to hire a strong defensive coordinator and have him run the offense as the head coach.