The New York Jets officially have their replacement for Rex Ryan. The team is slowly but surely putting a new regime in place after Ryan and general manager John Idzik were fired following another disappointing season. Now, Mike Maccagnan will take over the general manager job while Bowles announced himself as the team's new head coach. Will their first move be to make a draft-day trade and acquire Marcus Mariota at quarterback?
The new regime has an uphill battle with the Jets, but the recent hires appear ready for it. Bowles officially announced himself as the next head coach of the Jets after a successful stint as the Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator. ESPN's Josina Anderson received a text message from the coach saying he has accepted a four-year contract that will earn him just over $4 million a season.
The Jets were aggressive in acquiring Bowles as the Atlanta Falcons were preparing to make their move for the head coach. New York wanted a defensive-minded coach that will hire a top offensive coordinator to focus purely on those issues. Bowles might be more invested in the defense, but his first moves as head coach will be on the offensive side of the ball as the Jets must begin with figuring out their quarterback situation after both Geno Smith and Michael Vick failed to do anything productive in 2014.
It is expected that Vick's time in New York is done. The veteran quarterback has an expiring contract and the New York Post is reporting that it is highly unlikely he re-signs. The biggest question is Geno Smith. The second-year pro impressed in his final game of the year, but he has ultimately lost everyone in his corner. The Jets do plan on looking at all options for the position and whatever move they make will likely determine the future of Smith.
According to the New York Post, the Jets could make Marcus Mariota their top priority which will include having to pull off a draft-day trade for him. Mariota has not declared yet after losing in the national championship, but it is expected that the Heisman trophy winner will forego his final year and turn pro while likely being the No. 1 draft pick.
The New York Jets have the No. 6 draft pick and the Post is making it clear the new general manager must step out of the shadow of Idzik and grab Mariota. Many believe he could be the long-term option the Jets need as Smith is no longer that type of player. The Jets should have around $40 million in salary cap space and the quarterback position will take priority. After that, players like Percy Harvin and Chris Johnson will have their futures determined.