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New York Jets: Ranking every coach in franchise history

By Michael Pallas

28 Jul 1998: General view of the new helmets for the New York Jets during the 1998 New York Jets Training Camp at the Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport
28 Jul 1998: General view of the new helmets for the New York Jets during the 1998 New York Jets Training Camp at the Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets looks on before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets looks on before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

12. Todd Bowles (2015-18), 24-40 record

The Todd Bowles era began with a bang and ended with a whimper. The Jets began his tenure 10-6, and missed the playoffs by one game. They had plenty of opportunities that season that were squandered that would’ve put them into the playoffs, but it wasn’t meant to be, and looking back on that playoffs, the Jets actually had a dangerous team that could’ve made noise in the postseason.

The next three seasons for Bowles were not ones to write home about. The Jets won only 14 games from 2016-18, and in typical Jets fashion, they didn’t fire him midseason. In fairness to Bowles, his offense was stagnant for the most part, and they didn’t get a franchise quarterback until his final season. However, his consistent game mismanagement was what led to his downfall.

In the end, Bowles basically asked to be fired, when, after this past season was up he asked for a quick resolution on his job status immediately after the game against the Patriots. The Jets acquiesced and fired him on that day.

11. Al Groh (2000), 9-7 record

The most infamous phrase ever written in the history of the Titans/Jets was written on a napkin. “I resign as HC of the NYJ” will go down as the blackest phrase in the history of the franchise, especially with what followed.

After Bill Belichick resigned, the Jets were scrambling to find a head coach. They settled on Al Groh, and he did okay, but he can’t be higher on this list, because it was only one season, and that’s not enough of a sample size.

The Jets were a mediocre team in most statistical categories with the exception of passing offense, and it reflected in their record. There’s a chance he could’ve built upon their 9-7 record, but he left on his own volition after one season.

10. Sammy Baugh (1960-61), 14-14 record

Sammy Baugh was one of the preeminent quarterbacks of his day. The fact that he had three seasons of over 60 percent completions is amazing for the time period. However, he couldn’t help the Titans to more than seven wins in each of their first two seasons in existence.

That said, there were only eight teams in the league. In the 1960 season, the Jets finished fifth in scoring, and in the 1961 season they finished seventh. Given that, it was amazing that Baugh could even guide them to a .500 record in each season. To date, he’s one of only two coaches to coach at least two seasons and finish with a record of .500 or better.

Given what immediately followed him, you could see why he finished with no better than a .500 record. If they had better ownership, he might have been better off. That has a familiar ring to it.

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