NEW YORK _ Todd Bowles' future with the Jets is a fait accompli, but there is another gigantic piece to the puzzle that must be finalized before this wayward franchise can move forward.
What should the powers that be do with general manager Mike Maccagnan?
When the wheels fall off like they have this season, nobody is immune to criticism. Bowles has absorbed his fair share of body blows. The players' repeated on-field brain cramps have been dissected ad nauseum.
So, where does that leave the man responsible for supplying talent?
Maccagnan won't be mistaken for Hall of Fame GM Ron Wolf anytime soon, but the smart course for the Jets would be to retain him for myriad reasons.
Although nothing is written in stone yet, my understanding is that Maccagnan will likely be back and play an important role in hiring the next head coach. It's undeniable that Maccagnan has made his fair share of mistakes, but there's a belief inside the building that he can improve with a new reporting structure.
The current set-up has created division, friction and passive-aggressive petulance between Maccagnan and Bowles, according to sources. Their partnership, a shot-gun marriage arranged by consultant Charley Casserly and approved by Woody Johnson four years ago, has eroded through the years.
Both are culpable for the current state of affairs, but the belief inside the organization is that Maccagnan can learn from his missteps. However, the brain trust has lost faith that Bowles will be able to correct his shortcomings as a head coach.
Here's the unvarnished truth about Maccagnan and Bowles' relationship: They do not share the same vision or views on players regardless of what each has said publicly through the years. Sources said that both have been professional towards each other, but they don't think that either of them truly respects the other's ability to identify talent and have a plan for success.
Neither technically reports to each other. Each has a direct line to ownership. It's an inherently flawed structure that has reared its ugly head on many occasions in the past few years.
