Jets insider shuts down potential Todd Bowles reunion speculation

Remember that face, Jets fans? You know, the face that never once showed an ounce of expression through four seasons in New York. The face that never instilled confidence as the New York Jets plummeted after their surprise 2015 season. The face we didn't quite despise, but were surely happy to see go.

Well, that face is not walking through that door Jets fans.

It's surprising that this needs to be clarified. While Todd Bowles, the Jets' head coach from 2015 to 2018, is a proven defensive mind, he is not Mr. Popular among Jets faithful — and for good reason.

He did not bring much success during his time here. Despite one solid season, he never once reached the postseason. And he failed to foster a culture within the organization that inspired anything more than mediocrity.

He belongs somewhere, but not in Florham Park.

Jets insider says there is 'no chance' of a Todd Bowles reunion

The Rex Ryan era was fraught with drama, volatility, and ultimately disappointment. But what it also had was hope. During his four years, the team drastically plummeted in success after back-to-back AFC Championship appearances. But while the final two years were as frustrating as any, the franchise had a clear direction under Ryan — whether that direction was right or wrong.

Once he was relieved of his duties, and Bowles assumed his post, it was as if the latter did everything in his power to tear down what the former had built.

Bowles was notably lacking in personality, and his teams followed that lead. Sure, a surprising 10-6 result in his first season was incredibly promising. The problem is, in all three seasons that followed, he never eclipsed five victories. The team was set on a path that would ultimately lead them to the longest playoff drought in North American sports.

With all that said, why? Why even consider flirting with the idea of a reunion? I've already recognized the undisputable fact that Bowles is a good defensive coach. He's a Super Bowl champion for a reason. But his defenses, while stout, haven't been as impressive as you might think. Certainly not enough to flirt with another tenure in New York.

ESPN radio host Jake Asman got the talk going with a tweet on Sunday. ESPN Jets insider Rich Cimini quickly slammed the door shut on any possibility that might happen, insisting there was "no chance."

I understand why the whispers exist. I get that it's tempting to consider all the potential options the Jets might have to replace Steve Wilks. On the defensive side of the football, it's been surprising to see an Aaron Glenn team perform so poorly. The unit is ranked 21st in overall defense, 30th in run defense, and 30th in points allowed.

A lot of that should be credited to Wilks, who was let go earlier this month. The former head coach brought enough of a resume that, paired with Glenn, led everyone to believe the defense would hold its own while the offense struggled. If you watched any Jets games this year, you're well aware this was not what happened.

The defense was a mess, and changes are rightfully underway. It's always better to cast somewhat of a wide net, but that does not have to include failed former Jets' head coaches, especially when they boast a 23rd-ranked defense that is slowly limping out of the playoff race.

We can discuss coordinator options all day long. But I will stop whenever we get to Todd Bowles.