Jets GM supports Todd Bowles, sees him improving

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Despite a 3-7 record, New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan said Wednesday he's pleased with Todd Bowles but added that Bowles has room to grow as a head coach.

"We knew there would be adversity along the way, but he's very consistent and very focused, and I think he has a very good pulse on the team and the locker room," Maccagnan said, speaking to reporters for the first time since training camp. "I do think he's going to be a very good head coach in this league."

Asked to evaluate Bowles' 2016 performance, he said, "I think Todd is going to be a very good head coach in this league, and I think he's doing a good job now."

Maccagnan, who was hired on the same day as Bowles in January 2015, doesn't have the power to fire Bowles. Under the organizational structure, he and Bowles report directly to owner Woody Johnson. They had no previous relationship before coming to the Jets. Together, they led the team to a 10-6 record last season, falling just short of the playoffs.

Maccagnan addressed a variety of topics during a 30-minute sit-down with reporters, including the future of cornerback Darrelle Revis, 31, whose play has noticeably declined.

The Jets are paying him a team-high $17 million this season, yet Maccagnan stopped short of committing to Revis for 2017.

"There are glitches in his play, but he has played very well at times this year," Maccagnan said. "We have six games to go. We'll see how the season progresses, and we'll evaluate it at the end of the season."

Maccagnan's first big splash as general manager was bringing Revis back to the Jets, signing him to a five-year, $70 million contract. He's due to make $15 million in 2017, including $6 million fully guaranteed.

Maccagnan said he doesn't regret the contract.

Revis has no interceptions and only two pass breakups and has struggled in at least three games. If the Jets decide to keep him, they almost certainly will ask him to take a pay cut.

"Darrelle, obviously, has set a very high standard in how he's played in his past," Maccagnan said. "We still think he's a good football player. We still think he's done good things for us this year.

"I'm sure, if you ask him, there are certain plays he'd like to have back. Those are questions we'll answer at the end of the season."

Revis has been criticized by fans and media for not giving full effort on a couple of plays in which he appeared to shy away from tackles. Maccagnan said he's "happy" with Revis' effort but added, "I'm sure some plays he'd like to have back, but you watch a lot of other plays where he does give effort."

Maccagnan defended the Muhammad Wilkerson contract (five years, $86 million), saying he's pleased to have the Pro Bowl defensive end under contract even though he's not producing. Wilkerson also was disciplined for missing a walk-through practice and showing up late for meetings.