NEW YORK — The New York Jets are close to an agreement with Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to make him their head coach, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations.
Bowles told ESPN in a text that he was taking the job, but the people told The Associated Press that no agreement had been completed as of late Tuesday night.
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been finalized.
"It's heading there," one of the people said, and it could be completed as early as Wednesday morning.
A few hours after hiring Mike Maccagnan as their general manager, the Jets were closing in on signing the 51-year-old Bowles to replace Rex Ryan, who was fired, along with GM John Idzik, on Dec. 29 after six seasons. Bowles, a highly sought candidate after leading Arizona's defense the last two seasons, had a second interview Tuesday with owner Woody Johnson and consultants Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf -- along with Maccagnan -- and apparently impressed the Jets enough to move forward.
The team canceled a scheduled interview with Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott that was set for Wednesday. Bowles also called off a second meeting with the Atlanta Falcons for their head coaching vacancy that was scheduled for Wednesday.
It was believed that Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was the front-runner for the job, but teams aren't allowed to meet with him again until the Seahawks are eliminated or during the bye week before the Super Bowl. Instead of waiting for Quinn, the Jets brought Bowles back and worked to sign him to a deal.
NFL
Cowboys: Garrett signs 5-year contract
IRVING, Texas -- A person with knowledge of both deals told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Dallas coach Jason Garrett has agreed to a five-year contract and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli also is returning on a three-year contract.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had yet to announce the agreements.
Garrett led the Cowboys to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. He will make about $6 million annually after just completing a four-year, $20 million contract.
Questions about Garrett's job security festered through three straight 8-8 seasons before the Cowboys won the NFC East at 12-4 and beat Detroit in the playoffs before falling to Green Bay.
The Dallas defense improved significantly after Marinelli was promoted from defensive line coach.
Jets: Maccagnan tagged as new GM
NEW YORK -- The New York Jets have hired Houston Texans executive Mike Maccagnan as their general manager, replacing the fired John Idzik.
Maccagnan was Houston's director of college scouting and the only GM candidate who received a second meeting with the Jets. Maccagnan first interviewed with owner Woody Johnson and consultants Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf last Monday before having another meeting Friday and staying in New Jersey over the weekend.
The team announced the hiring Tuesday.
The Jets are still searching for a coach to replace Rex Ryan, who was fired along with Idzik on Dec. 29 after a 4-12 season in which the Jets missed the postseason for the fourth straight year.
The Jets interviewed seven candidates for the GM job, and Maccagnan's strong background in personnel apparently impressed Johnson.
Falcons: Coaching search continues
ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Falcons' coach search will enter a new phase on Wednesday when they have their second interview with Arizona defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
Bowles' agent, Tony Agnone, on Tuesday confirmed the second interview with the Falcons. Bowles was scheduled to interview with the New York Jets on Tuesday.
The Falcons are expected to have a second interview with Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin later this week.
The team is seeking to replace Mike Smith, who was fired following a 6-10 finish in 2014.
The talks with Bowles and Austin could determine if the Falcons wait for a second meeting with Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is unavailable this week as the Seahawks prepare for Sunday's NFC championship game.
Bills: Roman in, Schwartz out in Buffalo
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Greg Roman is in as the Buffalo Bills new offensive coordinator, and Jim Schwartz is out as defensive coordinator.
Both moves were expected, and announced by the Bills on Tuesday, a day after Rex Ryan took over as coach.
Schwartz's contract was terminated after one season in Buffalo, allowing him to pursue other jobs. Ryan is a defensive specialist.
Roman was hired after spending the past two days negotiating with the Bills. He spent the previous four seasons serving as the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator, and shares the same run-first philosophy as Ryan.
Schwartz and Roman were among 12 candidates interviewed by the Bills to replace coach Doug Marrone, who stepped down abruptly on Dec. 31.
NFL sets Pro Bowl coaching staffs
The NFL says the coaching staffs of the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys will lead the Pro Bowl teams in Arizona next month.
John Harbaugh and the coaches from the Ravens and Jason Garrett and the coaches from the Cowboys will be assigned to teams through the Pro Bowl draft.
The draft will be televised Jan. 21 on NFL Network.
Hall of Famers Cris Carter and Michael Irvin will serve as alumni team captains for their Pro Bowl squads -- Team Carter and Team Irvin -- and will select their coaching staffs.
The Pro Bowl will be played Jan. 25 and televised on ESPN.