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Jets, Falcons emerging as the finalists for Todd Bowles

Bowles

As the coaching carousel continues to spin, with one job filled on Sunday and yet another open on Monday, another hire could soon be made. The coach would be Todd Bowles. The destination still isn’t entirely clear.

One league source with direct knowledge of the current hiring process describes Bowles as “very likely” to become the next coach of the Jets. Another source believes Bowles prefers the Falcons -- and that the Jets prefer Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. In recent days, however, a sense has emerged that Quinn’s interest in the Jets may not be as strong as previously believed.

Also, the Jets may have to wait nearly three weeks before hiring Quinn. Bowles is immediately available.

The Bears had shown significant interest in Bowles, but the sudden availability of John Fox has resulted in what could be a fairly quick move to bring Fox to Chicago.

Bowles, who has served for two years as defensive coordinator of the Cardinals, has received head-coaching consideration in the past. His work with an Arizona defense that lost several key players from 2013 pushed him to the “A” list this time around.

A native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Bowles’ first year as an NFL assistant coach was spent with the Jets in 2000. He also has worked for the Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins, and Eagles.

During the season, Bowles received a raise and an extension from the Cardinals, giving him flexibility in picking a head-coaching job. During an appearance on PFT Live, Bowles was pragmatic about the process of selecting NFL head coaches, explaining that when your team is doing well, you’re considered to be a good coach. When your team isn’t doing well, you’re considered to be a bad coach.