EJ Manuel of the Buffalo Bills fumbles between Corey Lemonier and Jordan Jenkins of the New York Jets on Sunday.Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
The New York Jets are sticking with Todd Bowles. The roster he coaches next season might look a lot different.
After ending a dismal season on a winning note with a 30-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, the Jets are making no changes in leadership heading into what appears will be a busy off-season.
"I'm not going to take away from the team win today," Bowles said. "I knew I'd be back, so it wasn't a big deal."
Bowles is 15-17 in his two-year tenure with New York, which hired him in January, 2015, after firing Rex Ryan. He had been the subject of increased criticism by some fans and media in recent weeks because of a few ugly losses and questions about his in-game management and handling of the locker room.
But the Jets (5-11) announced after the game that owner Woody Johnson decided that Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan will return next season.
"One of the biggest things with the NFL and something that's very helpful to franchises is continuity," said quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who threw two touchdown passes in what was likely his final game for the Jets.
Fitzpatrick went 20 of 30 for 210 yards, but is likely to be among the big names to go because he's a free agent.
It could have also been the final game with New York for cornerback Darrelle Revis (who had his first interception of the season in the game); wide receiver Brandon Marshall (inactive because of a hip injury); and centre Nick Mangold (on injured reserve), among others.
The Bills (7-9) also face some uncertainty this off-season after firing coach Rex Ryan earlier in the week and elevating offensive co-ordinator Anthony Lynn to the interim role.
Two people with direct knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press before the game that Lynn is the clear favourite to take over the job permanently.
One person called Lynn's succession to replace Ryan as being "the working plan." Another person said the final decision on general manager Doug Whaley's recommendation rests solely with owners Terry and Kim Pegula.
Both people spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the Bills have not revealed details of their coaching search.
"Until they tell me I'm not employed anymore," Lynn said, "then I have to go back and get these evaluations done and look at our team and what we have to go after in the off-season."
A third person with direct knowledge of the discussions that former Jacksonville coach Gus Bradley is a candidate to become the Bills defensive co-ordinator under Lynn. Bradley was fired by the Jaguars two weeks ago.
Lynn was asked if the Bills, who have missed the playoffs for 17 straight seasons, have indicated to him that the job is his.
"No," he said. "Not at all."
Safety Corey Graham called the pending decision "very important."
"We're all very interested to see what's going to happen, whether it's a new guy coming in or if it's going to be A-Lynn," he said. "It's going to affect me, if I have to learn a new defence."
Manuel started at quarterback instead of Tyrod Taylor, who was inactive for the game with a groin injury.
Manuel made his first start since Oct. 25, 2015, and finished 9 of 20 for 86 yards. He was replaced by Cardale Jones in the fourth quarter, and the rookie was 6 of 11 for 96 yards with an interception.
Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy limped to the sideline with a high right-ankle injury after a two-yard loss on the first play of the second quarter. He was carted to the locker room. X-rays were negative and he was upgraded to a "probable" return, though he didn't get another carry.
Bills running back Reggie Bush finished the season with 12 carries for minus-three yards, becoming the first NFL running back to have negative yards rushing with 10 or more carries. He had no carries against the Jets.