New York Jets: Quick Hits from Maccagnan/Bowles Press Conference

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, the Jets introduced both new General Manager Mike Maccagnan and new Head Coach Todd Bowles. Here are some quick hits from the press conference:

1) The GM and head coach both know their roles – Both Maccagnan and Bowles both spoke in detail about what their roles were and they both seemed to be very comfortable with them.

Maccagnan spoke of finding players by any available means (free agency, draft, trade) and making those acquisitions fit into Bowles’ scheme and the shared vision of the organization. He also spoke of Bowles making these decisions with him and the comfortability that he had with a system like this in Houston. I think it is excellent that the GM and coach won’t have different agendas and will be working together towards their shared vision of what the team should look like both in the short and long-term.

Bowles talked consistently throughout the presser of having his imprint on all three phases (offense, defense and special teams), which was a problem with the prior regime with Rex Ryan really only being involved with the defense. Bowles put his money where his mouth was too by adding that the defensive coordinator hired, widely rumored to be Kacy Rodgers, would call the plays, albeit with heavy influence from Bowles. This will be a team that will have a plan for all phases, referred to as “complimentary football”, and that will flow from the head coach down through the coaching staff to the players. The team will be on the same page.

Next: The Roster

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new head coach Todd Bowles speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

2) Neither would talk about the roster – Both Maccagnan and Bowles had their talking points when it came to talking about personnel. They said some variation of “We weren’t here last year. We are going to sit down, watch tape and evaluate the roster soon then take it from there.” They didn’t take the bait when asked about what happened in 2014, nor did they even answer what the strengths and weaknesses of the team are or even what the biggest area of need is for the team. Bowles did slip up and say that he needs good corners to implement his system so I would expect them to be aggressive on that front in free agency. Cough, Antonio Cromartie, cough, cough.

Next: Geno Smith

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback

(7) at the line of scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

3) They did talk briefly about Geno Smith though – Both said they would evaluate him more fully when they watched tape but Maccagnan called Smith, “A great college quarterback” while Bowles said that one of the reasons they hired Chan Gailey is that he “gets the most out of the least”. Neither statement was a ringing endorsement of the young quarterback. However, with the terrible free agent quarterback market and the weak draft class at the position they might have to start Smith for a year hoping he will improve while evaluating other options.

Next: Senior Bowl

Jan 21, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad defensive tackle Joey Mbu of Houston (96) knocks off the helmet of offensive center Reese Dismukes of Auburn (50)during Senior Bowl South squad practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

4) What’s next? – They are going to complete the hiring process and fill out the coaching staff, then head down to Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl followed by a return to Florham Park next Monday to start working on their plan for free agency. Both Bowles and Maccagnan seem to have a plan and seem anxious to implement it. It will be fun to see how successful it will be.

Next: Not Sold on Chan Gailey