PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 1: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets looks on during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 1, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Jets 14-6. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

As the New York Jets prepare for what could be their worst year in franchise history, head coach Todd Bowles must coach 2017 as if it’s his last season in the NFL.

It’s hard to predict exactly what will transpire with the New York Jets this upcoming season. 2017 could be a horror for a team that is in a full rebuild trying to develop a young foundation for a brighter future. On one hand, this does make a plethora of sense to create a contender again from the ground up that could seriously compete in 2018 and 2019 but on the other hand, could be a recipe for disaster if things don’t go according to plan.

Regardless what happens with the players on the roster, it all comes down to coaching. A team can have all the potential young talent in the world but without proper coaching, discipline, and accountability, it will go nowhere fast. This is an area of opportunity for head coach Todd Bowles as he enters his third season with the Jets.

It’s no secret that for his first two years, Bowles has dropped the ball when it’s come to on-the-field football decisions in the heat of the moment during regular season games. Of course, just like players, head coaches take a few years to develop as well. Patience is key in the grand scheme of things.

Even though it’s been said that the ownership of the Jets won’t judge this season on wins and losses but rather the overall progression of players, Bowles can’t expect such statements to hold up if his players once again make the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Bowles needs to put his foot down and create a locker room that’s built on hard work, the fundamentals of football, and above all else, accountability.

If the Jets end up winning just a game or two in 2017 but players are working hard, listening to coaching, and showing signs here and there of brilliance, Bowles won’t have anything to worry about when it comes to his job security. If his players are once again causing distractions to the greater picture the Jets are trying to build for the future, that is a direct reflection on him. Players, especially veterans, shouldn’t be late to mandatory team meetings and on the field where it matters most, everyone wearing a uniform should be giving 110 percent on every single play.

Bowles must coach 2017 as if it’s his last season in the NFL because there is a lot on the line for the Jets to give renewed hope to fans that they’re on the right path towards becoming contenders again in the future. Otherwise, Bowles will find himself on the hot seat and out of town as the Jets would need to find a better head coach capable of keeping players in check and focused on playing the highest quality of professional football.