Coach Todd Bowles took the helm in 2015 from his predecessor, now Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan. Unlike Ryan, Bowles is a little more “mild mannered”. While Bowles has plenty of success in the NFL, there are still some things people may not know about the man in charge of the Jets.
#1 AT TEMPLE HE PLAYED FOR COACH BRUCE ARIANS
Bowles was a four-year starter at Temple University under Bruce Arians as a defensive back. He became an All Big East selection as a junior and also received honorable mention on the Associated Press All-American team. Arians later hired Bowles as his defensive coordinator in Arizona, before becoming the latest coach of the New York Jets.
#2 BOWLES HAS A SUPER BOWL RING
As an undrafted free agent out of Temple, Bowles worked to get on an NFL roster. He played eight seasons in the NFL, seven with the Washington Redskins. He was a starter in Super Bowl XXII in 1988 when the Redskins beat the Denver Broncos.
#3 THIS ISN’T BOWLES’ FIRST STINT WITH THE JETS
Prior to being named the head coach of the Jets in 2015, Bowles served as the team’s defensive backs coach in 2000. Bowles had great success helping the team, ranking in the top half of the league in opponent’s points per game and total yards.
#4 BOWLES IS HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH THE NFL PLAY 60 INITIATIVE
Bowles and his wife, Taneka, are very involved with the NFL Play 60 program, which is dedicated to promoting health among young kids. The couple organized the event in his hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey. The purpose of the event is to show kids that exercise is fun and important to a healthy lifestyle. Top performing students in the program, are also entered for a chance to win Jets’ tickets provided by the coach.
# 5 HE WON THE FIRST-EVER NFL ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR
In his second season as the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator, Bowles took home the first ever NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award. The Cardinals were seventh in opponent’s points per game, and fifth in total yards. This success he had as the leader of the defense is the main reason for getting hired as the head coach of the Jets the next season.
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