East Notes: Coughlin, Jets, Petty, Reed, Giants

Could Tom Coughlin return to the Meadowlands…as the Jets‘ coach? Brian Costello of the New York Post argues that Gang Green could use a disciplinarian like the 70-year-old Coughlin and lists him as one of 12 possible names in the event that the Jets move on from coach Todd Bowles. Others on the list include Seattle offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher, coach-turned-commentator Jon Gruden, and New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. While speculation around Bowles’ job security has ramped up in recent weeks, I would be surprised if he was not given a third year to turn things around. However, if the Jets do seek a new head coach this spring, I think it would behoove them to seek an offensive-minded coach. Since the Rich Kotite disaster of more than 20 years ago, the Jets have only had head coaches with defensive backgrounds.

Here’s more from the East divisions:

• Now that Bryce Petty has been installed as the Jets‘ starting quarterback, is it possible that we’ll see rookie Christian Hackenberg take the field this season? “Not unless Bryce gets hurt,” Bowles said (link via Costello). “Right now, I do not see him getting any playing time.” It’s pretty telling that the Jets are not willing to put the Penn State product on the field, even in a lost season. Word is that Hackenberg is green, but he might be even more raw than scouts realized at the time of the draft.
• There’s still no clear timetable for Jordan Reed‘s return to the field, JP Finlay of CSNMidAtlantic.com writes. “Jordan will be day-to-day,” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said. “You know, we just have to wait and see.” For the season, Reed has 59 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns in just nine games. Considered to be one of the best tight ends in the game, Reed is dealing with a painful shoulder injury.
• The Giants could finally be getting Justin Pugh back in the lineup. When asked about returning to action, the left guard said that he is preparing as though he will suit up this week, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post writes. The interior lineman has been out with a sprained MCL since Nov. 6.