AP

When new coaches put together staffs, they can’t always get the guys they want. But it appears Jets coach Todd Bowles is closing in on his first choice.

According to Seth Walder of the New York Daily News, Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong is expected to join Bowles soon.

Bowles tried to hire him a year ago, but the Falcons wouldn’t let him out of his contract. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that contract is up now, leaving Armstrong free to go.

The two coaches together three years at Temple under Cardinals coach Bruce Arians.

Armstrong has interviewed for head coaching jobs, and has been with the Falcons since 2008. He was previously with the Dolphins and Bears.

The Jets fired Bobby April on Wednesday, creating the opening.