Troubling report surfaces about Jets after GM change
Apr 26, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson addresses the media during the introductory press conference for New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (not pictured) at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets are in the middle of a major organizational overhaul, and a new report shed some light on just how ugly things have gotten for the franchise in the last several months.
Exactly six weeks after they fired former head coach Robert Saleh, the Jets announced on Tuesday that they have parted ways with general manager Joe Douglas. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the decision to fire Douglas was just the latest move in what has become a “messy, messy situation.”
The Jets have fired GM Joe Douglas, as @Connor_J_Hughes reported. Those in his department were informed over the last hour. Messy situation gets messier. Was told co-director of player personnel Greg Nejmeh had taken on a more prominent role recently.
Messy, messy situation.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 19, 2024
Breer reported last month during Amazon’s “Thursday Night Football” that things have been “tenuous” in the Jets’ building. The feeling is that owner Woody Johnson has created an environment in New York that people within the organization do not feel is conducive to winning. Breer reiterated that on Tuesday and noted that there are people who work for the Jets who feel like Johnson pays too much attention to what is being said by non-football people on the internet.
Some more from Halloween night on the issues in the @NYJets building. There are people who've worked there who feel like what's said on the internet influences decision-making. Non-football people have big voices.
Those who've tried to change it run into this stuff constantly. https://t.co/0xzZUEiBxH
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 19, 2024
Johnson wants to win badly, which is why he signed off on the Jets acquiring Aaron Rodgers. It sounds like he might be meddling in football decisions and not giving enough trust to the people he has hired to handle that side of things.
For what it’s worth, the recent U.S. presidential election could have a direct impact on Johnson’s role with the Jets. If things in New York have gotten as “messy” as Breer says, future head coach and general manager candidates might be more inclined to listen to what the team has to say if Johnson were to take a step back.
