According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, there are “persistent rumblings” in NFL circles about the possibility of Todd Bowles returning to the Cardinals, depending on what happens with the Jets after the season.
La Canfora says that Arizona is mulling major changes as well with first-year head coach Steve Wilks, who has led the team to a 2-9 record.
League sources have told La Canfora that Bowles is “virtually certain” to not be back as the Jets’ head coach next season and New York will instead move in a new direction and try to find someone to help QB Sam Darnold long-term.
La Canfora points out that Bowles remains a beloved figure with the Cardinals from his time as a defensive coordinator and their defense has struggled mightily this season. Beyond that, the Cardinals will need to find a way to keep All-Pro CB Patrick Peterson from requesting another trade out of Arizona in the offseason.
Bowles also had success with some of their other first-round picks who have struggled to make an impact since he left. La Canfora believes Bowles’ strong ties with these players cannot be overstated along with his ties to some of the existing assistant coaches in Arizona.
Bowles, 54, began his NFL coaching career with the Packers back in 1995 as a player personnel staff member before working for a number of teams including the Jets, Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins, Eagles and Cardinals.
The Jets hired Bowles as their head coach for the 2015 season and signed him to an extension last through 2020 last year.
During his four years as Jets’ head coach, Bowles has led the team to a record of 25-37 (40.3 percent) and no playoff appearances.
We’ll have more regarding Bowles and the Cardinals as the news is available.
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