:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62733967/usa_today_11636800.0.jpg)
Jets CEO Chris Johnson released a statement denying the report by Mike Florio that the team plans to target Jim Harbaugh to fill its upcoming coaching vacancy.
Statement from Christopher Johnson, Chairman and CEO:
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 24, 2018
“Todd Bowles is our Head Coach. There is no truth to the report of our interest in Jim Harbaugh."
Whether or not the Jets pursue Harbaugh, this statement is laughable to me. Everybody knows Bowles is not going to be the head coach a week from right now.
This is why I find the team’s stance on in season coaching changes puzzling. The team has a policy of not making a move before the season is over. What difference does it make at this point? Rumors are going to fly no matter what. Making a change now might at least spare Bowles a little bit of dignity and give him a small head start on finding a new job.
At the very least, I’m not seeing the need to proactively deny this report. Are the Jets going to deny every rumor about a coach they might pursue?