The New York Jets made the somewhat surprising decision to fire general manager Mike Maccagnan midway through their offseason, after free agency and the NFL Draft, and ownership explained why on Wednesday.
Jets chairman Christopher Johnson said that, as his involvement in organizational matters increased, he was unhappy with how the front office was handling things, and admitted that the “synergy” between Maccagnan and coach Adam Gase was not what he wanted.
Johnson said he got himself more involved in the franchise late last year. Sat in on FA, draft meetings, etc. He “watched process, understood more fully” Maccagnan’s role. Said his decision “evolved,” and he came to decision to let him go within the last few days
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) May 15, 2019
Christopher Johnson said that the relationship & “synergy” between Maccagnan and Gase was “not everything” he was looking for #jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) May 15, 2019
Johnson denied that this was the result of Gase winning a power struggle against Maccagnan — but added that Gase will have a say in the team’s next GM.
“This was not (Adam Gase) winning a power struggle.” Christopher Johnson says this was his decision.
Adds Gase will be involved in picking the next GM. #jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) May 15, 2019
The timing is still odd, and when you hear reports that Gase and Maccagnan disagreed on certain key decisions, you do get the impression that Gase is holding all the cards here. The fact that he’ll have input on the new GM — and may retain power over the 53-man roster — only further solidifies that belief.
