Many thought the same of the Jets going into the season. Maurice had been on the hot seat the previous two seasons, his contract extension wasn't well received, and retaining him would be a mistake by TNSE.
The Bruins finished third in the Atlantic Division last season with 95 points and made the playoffs. The Jets, OTOH, finished with 87 points and well out of a playoff spot. Just my two pennies but I think taking the latter from basically a bottom feeder to second in the entire NHL is considerably more impressive than what the former accomplished.
In any case, Gallant is winning the Jack Adams this year. It's not even close.