W2W4: Get ready for Mike & Todd Show
January, 21, 2015
Jan 21
5:00
AM ET
By Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com
The New York Jets begin a new era at 11 a.m. Wednesday, when they introduce general manager Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles in a press conference at One Jets Drive.
Technically, they've been on the job for a week, but logistics -- travel, packing up their old offices, new job demands, etc. -- caused the delay. The Jets wanted a combined presser to present Maccagnan and Bowles as an equal partnership, starting out together -- a departure from the John Idzik-Rex Ryan regime.
A few things to watch for:
Bowles
1. Don't expect fireworks: Unlike the blustery Ryan, who blew into town six years ago promising Super Bowls and everything else, Bowles and Maccagnan won't provide many memorable sound bites, if any. They're both reserved, low-key men -- and there's nothing wrong with that. As we've learned over the years, outlandish statements make headlines, but don't win games. The objective is to fuel hope for a frustrated fanbase, and they can do that by presenting a clear and confident vision for the organization. Memo to both: Don't pull an Idzik; avoid a long, rambling opening statement.
2. Buddy system? We're not exactly revealing a dirty little secret here, but there was a disconnect in the Ryan-Idzik relationship. It drove Ryan crazy that Idzik dragged his feet through free agency despite a ton of cap space. They had conflicting agendas, but that's what happens with an arranged marriage. Bowles and Maccagnan will try to change the perception of the team's coach-GM dynamic, so you can expect to hear an emphasis on "we" throughout the presser. But the fact is they never met until last week, when Maccagnan picked up Bowles at the airport for his second interview. The Jets were well into the head-coaching search when Maccagnan was hired, so this, too, has an arranged feel to it. But at least they're starting side by side.
3. The Bowles role: It'll be interesting to learn whether Bowles plans to call the defensive plays and what role, if any, he will have in the offense. His new offensive coordinator is Chan Gailey, who was hired Tuesday. As we all know, Ryan ran the defense, letting Marty Mornhinweg handle the offense. It allowed Ryan to work in his comfort zone, but it also created a split-squad perception. Owner Woody Johnson handled the coaching search with the hope of finding someone "to manage the offense, defense and special teams" -- an indication he wants a new approach from his head coach.
4. Big Macc Attack: Unlike Idzik, Maccagnan isn't a bean counter/paper pusher. He's an actual football guy, with roots in scouting and personnel. You can bet Johnson, who fell for Idzik's act two years ago, will emphasize Maccagnan's football background. He already has made changes, firing the top college scouts, Terry Bradway and Jeff Bauer. The new GM said he doesn't anticipate making any additional changes for now; he will evaluate everyone through the draft. Maccagnan, who inherits the sixth pick in the draft and more than $40 million in cap space, has said he will be "very active" in free agency.
5. The quarterback question (of course): Contractually, Maccagnan has control over the 53-man roster, but it's Bowles who decides who plays. In other words, he'll get hit with most of the quarterback queries. He inherits two quarterbacks under contract -- returning starter Geno Smith and Matt Simms. What does he think of Smith? Will it be an open competition? Those questions will come up immediately. It'll be his welcome-to-New York moment. The over-under on quarterback questions over the next 11 months is 500.