The NFL Jets are "going for continuity and stability" by retaining coach Todd Bowles "rather than cutting their losses and starting over again," according to a source cited by Gary Myers of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Bowles, who was "considered in serious danger of getting fired with the Jets at 4-11 and not even competitive in their last three losses," will "be back for his third season." Jets GM Mike Maccagnan also is "expected back for his third season." Even a blowout loss to the Bills is "not expected to force" Jets Owner Woody Johnson to "reconsider." But Johnson is "known to be unpredictable and prone to listen to the last person to have his ear" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/29). In N.Y., Brian Costello writes the decision to retain Bowles "should be made by Johnson in consultation with those closest to him in the Jets organization." He "cannot let the fans influence him" and "cannot let the media influence him." This is "Johnson’s decision, and Johnson’s alone, so he could have a last-minute change of heart, particularly if the Jets are embarrassed on Sunday." The 69-year-old Johnson "needs to forget public opinion right now." Costello: "This is a pivotal decision for Johnson and his franchise. A wrong move either way could set the organization back years." Next month will mark 17 years since Johnson bought the Jets, and in that time, he has "been through five coaching changes" (N.Y. POST, 12/29).
TIME FOR LEADERSHIP: In N.Y., Manish Mehta writes Johnson's "reputation is on the line now that the chatter about the future of his head coach has reached ear-splitting levels." The notion of firing Bowles after his second season is "patently ridiculous," and Johnson "would become a punchline if he throws Bowles overboard after one bad season." No top-level coach with "any real prospects would want to come within a football field of working for such an impulsive and unpredictable owner." A firing "would be an indictment on Johnson’s judgment." He would "implicate himself by making such a rash decision" and be "the real loser if he canned Bowles" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/29).
