Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

If these truly are the final games of the Todd Bowles era, the Jets have an enormous, franchise-defining decision to make. If they expect to be a contender in 2019, if they expect Sam Darnold to be their long-awaited franchise savior, the next coach they hire absolutely can't miss.

So whom could they hire to replace Bowles? Here's a look at 12 candidates that figure to be on their list:

John DeFilippo, Vikings offensive coordinator

The Jets have long had an interest in their former quarterbacks coach (2009). In fact, they tried to interview him for their offensive coordinator job in 2017 before they settled on John Morton, but the Eagles blocked him. The 40-year-old is one of the hottest names on the market due to what he did with Carson Wentz as the quarterbacks coach the last two seasons.

Dan Campbell, Saints tight ends coach/assistant head coach

The former Giants tight end is a top lieutenant for Sean Payton in New Orleans, and is a favorite of Bill Parcells, for whom he played in Dallas. Those are two great mentors. He also knows New York and was a popular, tough-as-nails figure here, albeit on the other side of town.

Chris Peterson, University of Washington head coach

One of the NCAA's brightest offensive minds, he got on the NFL's radar by turning Boise State into a nationally-ranked program. Then he took over the Washington Huskies and in three years rebuilt them into a playoff team. The only question seems to be whether he wants to leave the West Coast.

Matt LaFleur, Titans offensive coordinator

The high-powered offense with the Los Angeles Rams may belong to their whiz-kid coach, Sean McVay, but LaFleur was his offensive coordinator last season after spending three years as the quarterbacks coach in Atlanta, helping turn Matt Ryan into an MVP. The 38-year-old hasn't found much success with the Titans, but he doesn't have the right quarterback at the moment either.

Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma University head coach

He may have inherited a strong program from Bob Stoops, but the Sooners are still 20-3 under his direction, and they lost in the College Football Playoff semifinals in double overtime last year. Baker Mayfield obviously thrived under his direction (including two years as offensive coordinator). He's only 35. Of course, McVay is only 32.

Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator

The former NFL running back doesn't call the plays in Kansas City, and that will hurt him. Most of the credit for that offense and the development of Patrick Mahomes will go to Andy Reid (and his departed offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy). But he's considered a rising star and obviously must have learned a lot in his six years on Reid's staff.

Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator

Despite backing out on the Indianapolis Colts last winter and all the baggage he carries, he is likely to remain one of the most sought-after offensive minds in the NFL coaching ranks. One caveat, though: As a Bill Belichick assistant, there's no way he comes to the Jets. Right?

David Shaw, Stanford head coach

He's a former NFL assistant who has had a wonderful run at Stanford, including as the offensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh. He was instrumental in the development of Andrew Luck. However, he has resisted NFL overtures in the past, and some in the NFL don't believe he'd want to leave.

John Harbaugh, Ravens head coach

He's had a successful 11-year run with the Baltimore Ravens that includes a Super Bowl championship (over his brother's 49ers. With Eric DeCosta set to take over for Ozzie Newsome as GM after the season, word is the Ravens could be looking for a fresh start. He may be a friendlier version of his brother, but he'd bring discipline to this team.

Bruce Arians, former Cardinals coach

At 66, he's probably not the fresh, young voice everyone wants, but he's a brilliant offensive mind who has had a lot of success as an offensive coordinator and three brilliant years as head coach in Arizona, including a trip to the NFC championship game with Carson Palmer at quarterback. His likeable, media-friendly personality is a plus. He's retired, though, and said the only job he'd unretired for is the Cleveland Browns.

Mike McCarthy, Packers head coach

Rumored to be on his way out in Green Bay unless he can finally get his Aaron Rodgers-led team back to the Super Bowl, the 54-year-old might seem like an odd fit in New York, personality-wise. But he's had a successful run with the Packers, won a Super Bowl and helped turn Rodgers into the best quarterback in the NFL not named Tom Brady.

Jim Harbaugh, University of Michigan head coach

He remains the big fish in the pool, which is probably just how he likes it. His high-tension tenure in Michigan always seems from a far like it's on the verge of ending, and he undoubtedly still has some unfinished business in the NFL after falling just short of a championship (by losing to his brother) in San Francisco. But there's no way he's going anywhere without decision-making power, which means he'd only be a candidate in New York if GM Mike Maccagnan goes too.

Popular in the Community