Todd Bowles and his players commented on New York Jets coaching rumors, shortly before CEO/Chairman Christopher Johnson stepped in.
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY—It’s anything but a silent night when it comes to the New York Jets and head-coaching rumors.
During Monday morning media conference calls, Todd Bowles was asked about the whispers swirling around his current position. On Sunday night, Pro Football Focus reported that the Jets were planning to woo University of Michigan football boss, Jim Harbaugh, back to the professional level after the NFL regular season ends next week.
Bowles quickly cast aside the Harbaugh rumors, expressing only a desire to focus on the Jets’ Sunday season finale in New England (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS).
“I don’t have (an opinion). This is probably a question for the person that reported it,” Bowles said. “Personally, I do not speak about my next job. I worry about tomorrow and when Christmas comes, and I worry about New England on Sunday and I go from there.”
While Bowles didn’t have an opinion on the Harbaugh discussion, Christopher Johnson certainly did. The Jets’ Chairman/CEO took to Twitter to release a statement regarding the gossip, denying the Jets were interested in luring the former NFL quarterback to New York.
Statement from Christopher Johnson, Chairman and CEO:
“Todd Bowles is our Head Coach. There is no truth to the report of our interest in Jim Harbaugh."
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 24, 2018
Bowles’ players have constantly expressed public support when asked. Monday was no exception, as the participants wished only to focus on Week 17.
“At the end of the day, you really can’t control it. You don’t know who they’re going to bring in,” linebacker Avery Williamson said. “All we can really do is worry about finishing the season out strong. Whatever happens, that’s up to management, so we can’t control any of that.”
“Our mind and our focus is on the Patriots,” offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum added. “We can’t worry about things that are going on outside of the building. I think more guys are focused on making sure that they’re spending time with their families for Christmas. We don’t have time to look at what the media has to say about what’s going on. At the end of the day, it’s about this organization, it’s about these players.”
Beachum added that Bowles has not addressed the rumors with the team.
“It’s on the top of our mind right. What’s at the top of our mind is how to close out games. We’ll handle the rest after the season’s over.”
In other conference call news, Bowles revealed that receiver Jermaine Kearse injured his Achilles during Sunday’s 44-38 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers. Kearse, who earned four receptions for 55 yards on Sunday, will be getting x-rays to determine the severity. As for the status of another injured receiver, Quincy Enunwa, Bowles labeled his chances of playing in New England “slim”. Enunwa has missed the past two games with an ankle injury.
