The New York Jets are still in a state of major transition after abruptly dismissing general manager Mike Maccagnan earlier this week. Fortunately, though, reports of imminent friction between first-year coach Adam Gase, named Maccagnan's replacement on an interim basis, and superstar running back Le'Veon Bell seem to be widely overblown.
Rumors surfaced almost immediately following Maccagnan's firing that it could spark trouble for the Jets, as Gase was reportedly against New York signing Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million deal in free agency, a deal that made him the second highest-paid running back in the NFL. Bell quickly tried to put concerns over discontent between he and Gase to rest with a subsequent post on social media, and now comes word that the two have been in “constant contact” since the Jets' offseason training began last month.
“A source said Gase and Bell have been in constant contact since the offseason program began last month despite Bell not being in Florham Park for most of the workouts,” writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. “The two communicated after the Maccagnan firing both on Wednesday and Thursday, and the conversations have been positive, according to the source.”
Bell sat out the entirety of the 2018 season after Pittsburgh designated him with the franchise tag for the second consecutive year. He's been one of the NFL's most productive and dynamic dual-threat playmakers for the past few seasons, leading the league in overall touches in 2017.
Gase, meanwhile, was hired as New York's head coach in January, replacing the ousted Todd Bowles. In three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, he went 23-25, making the playoffs in his debut campaign of 2016.
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