New York Jets DC Search: Latest Rumors and Speculation on Vacant Position

Todd Bowles has apparently chosen his right-hand man for rebuilding the New York Jets' defense. Kacy Rodgers, who served as the Miami Dolphins' defensive line coach in 2014, is the man for the job.

ESPN's Rich Cimini announced that things are official:

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald first reported Rodgers was expected to get the gig.

Rodgers, 45, spent the last seven seasons guiding the Dolphins' defensive line. He's worked under head coaches Tony Sparano and Joe Philbin, the latter keeping the respected mind around after the former was fired.

Bowles and Rodgers worked together previously in Miami and Dallas, where they served as defensive assistants under Sparano and Bill Parcells, respectively. Bowles, 51, was the defensive coordinator in Arizona for the last two seasons, building the Cardinals into one of the NFL's best all-around units. Football Outsiders' DVOA metric ranked the Cardinals seventh on defense in 2014 and second in 2013.

Bowles is taking over for the deposed Rex Ryan, who was let go after six seasons following a 4-12 campaign. He's tasked with rebuilding a roster that was well below-average on offense and defense and struggled at times on special teams.

"When we first met, it was immediately clear how sincere and very real he is," Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan told reporters. "While he appreciates the need for discipline, players love playing for him, and I believe he has outstanding qualities to help make the Jets a competitive, winning team."

Nabbing Rodgers is a smart first step. He and Bowles cut their teeth in the NFL using the same defensive philosophy. While it's unclear how much of a say Rodgers will have over the defensive playcalling, it's at the very least a natural fit. Given the disarray this organization went through during the Ryan tenure, merely having two coaches who get along and agree philosophically is a step in the right direction.