New York Jets: Mike Maccagnan, Todd Bowles rift will bring needed change

A reported strained relationship between general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles will lead to much-needed change for the New York Jets.

Amid the New York Jets‘ disappointing 3-9 campaign, there’s possible tension between general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles.

According to New York Daily News reporter Manish Mehta, the Jets’ front office executive and head coach don’t see eye-to-eye in terms of building the roster. The working bond between Maccagnan and Bowles has dissolved over time.

From Mehta’s report on the situation:

"Here’s the unvarnished truth about Maccagnan and Bowles’ relationship: They do not share the same vision or views on players regardless of what each has said publicly through the years. Sources said that both have been professional towards each other, but they don’t think that either of them truly respects the other’s ability to identify talent and have a plan for success."

Looking at this from Bowles’ perspective, it’s hard to trust a general manager who selected Christian Hackenberg in the second round of the draft. We can move on from that whiff because Maccagnan did move up to the No. 3 spot to select Sam Darnold in April, right?

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When asked about the reported rift, Bowles, as expected, denied any friction, per SNY’s Jeane Coakley. “I’m not big on responding to articles, but there’s never been any tension between me or anybody else in this building,” he said.

Regardless of whom you believe, the Jets will likely part ways with Bowles, though, Maccagnan isn’t guaranteed to keep his position either. When a player of Jamal Adams’ stature in the locker room questions the effort of his teammates, the head coach takes the blame. Essentially, it’s his job to prepare his club for competition.

Since the 41-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Gang Green has been competitive, but the result remains the same—a loss. Now, riding a six-game losing streak into Buffalo Sunday, we’ll see how far this team pushes to finish strong for a head coach who’s squarely on the hot seat.

Bowles led the Jets to a 10-6 season in 2015; it’s been downhill from that point, going 13-31 since the 2016 campaign. Did Maccagnan supply him with subpar talent or is he incapable of developing players? That’s what acting CEO Christopher Johnson must determine when considering potential firings.

Keep in mind Maccagnan didn’t hire Bowles. He could simply point to poor alignment of thoughts with the head coach as a reason for the team’s shortcomings. In that scenario, the front office executive would likely have the remaining two years of his contract, which runs through the 2020 campaign, to build a contender.

There’s one thing for sure at the moment; the Jets need changes among their decision-makers.

With two games against probable playoff teams in the Houston Texans and New England Patriots left on the schedule, New York could finish a third consecutive year with five wins or fewer. Typically, that type of track record precedes a head-coaching change. If there’s indeed discord within the organization, it’s the knockout blow to Bowles’ tenure with the Jets.