When he was head coach of the New York Jets, Todd Bowles saw the worst of Geno Smith as a quarterback and leader.

Bowles was the head coach in 2015 when Smith’s time as a starter for the Jets had run its course. In August, Smith was punched in the face by teammate IK Enemkpali over an alleged $600 owed. With Smith sidelined due to a broken jaw, New York turned to Ryan Fitzpatrick during the regular season.

Smith was shoved out the door.

It’s safe to say things have changed since then, over a decade ago.

Nearly 10 years have passed since Smith’s last start with the Jets: Week 7 of the 2016 season. Smith finally got his second chance as a starter, only to tear his ACL in the first half, ending his first tenure in New York.

Since his departure, Smith has enjoyed a career resurgence as both a leader and quarterback, so much so that the Jets opted to bring him back through a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Geno has returned to New York. And his former head coach thinks a second chance might bear great fruit for the franchise.

Bowles backs Jets’ QB decision

Speaking at league meetings in Arizona on Monday, Bowles emphasized that many quarterbacks around the NFL have found success after getting a change of scenery.

Smith, he believes, may be the latest.

“You’ve seen Sam [Darnold] come out and come back and succeed elsewhere,” Bowles said. “You’ve seen Baker [Mayfield] come back and succeed elsewhere, you’ve seen quite a few guys – [Daniel] Jones made a resurgence. So Geno’s played enough football, maybe he’s at the right place at the right time.”

Smith’s resurgence began in Seattle, where he replaced Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson and went 28-24 as a starting quarterback. His 68.5% completion rate, coupled with 76 passing touchdowns to 36 interceptions, proved he could be a quality starter in the NFL.

Things took a dive in Las Vegas last season, though. Smith won just two starts as a member of the Silver and Black and had been benched several times due to the struggles on offense.

But not everyone is pinning Vegas’ troubles on their quarterback.

“I was out there a couple of times, he was the leader,” NFL Network’s own Brian Baldinger said on the Jets’ Official Podcast. “You know, he played really well last year. I don’t know if any quarterback could have been successful. The offensive line fell apart. Lost their left tackle, lost their left guard. They were a disaster.”

Through all the turmoil in Las Vegas, though, Smith’s attitude didn’t change. It’s something that Bowles believes should help him going into his second run with the Jets.

“If you’re in this league long enough, you’re going to learn how to become professional and how to handle things and deal with adversity,” Bowles said. “So the fact that he’s still in the league, I’m sure he’s done that.”

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers acknowledged that he hadn’t seen or heard much about Smith since their short time together in Florham Park. What he has heard, though, is a player who is more mature, and a quarterback who understands how to win in the NFL.

Both things are needed now more than ever in New York.