The New York Jets have made a significant decision by firing general manager Joe Douglas amidst a disappointing season. Douglas, who was in the final year of his contract after being hired in 2019, has been relieved of his duties with the team holding a 3-8 record. The Jets, who had high hopes at the start of the season with a healthy Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, struggled to a 2-3 start, leading to the firing of head coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8.
The team owner, Woody Johnson, announced the departure of Douglas, who had a record of 30-64 during his tenure with the Jets. Johnson expressed gratitude towards Douglas for his commitment over the last six years and wished him well in his future endeavors. Phil Savage, the senior football adviser since 2019, has been appointed as the interim general manager for the remainder of the season, with the team initiating the search for a new GM.
The decision to dismiss Douglas was made without his consultation when Saleh was fired and replaced by interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. This move hinted at the uncertainty surrounding Douglas' position within the organization. Despite the team's struggles, Douglas remained optimistic about the Jets' potential to turn the season around and make a late push for success.
However, the Jets suffered two more defeats following Douglas' reassurance, including a lopsided 31-6 loss to Arizona and a heartbreaking 28-27 defeat to Indianapolis. With the team's bye-week break approaching, Johnson decided to expedite the overhaul rather than waiting until the end of the season. The Jets are on track to miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year, marking the longest active drought in the NFL.
This move signifies a significant shift in the Jets' leadership structure and sets the stage for a new era under a yet-to-be-named general manager. The team will look to regroup and refocus as they navigate the remainder of the season in search of improved performance and results.
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