NEW YORK – The New York Jets have made yet another significant change amid their disappointing season, firing general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday. This decision follows the recent dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh, which took place merely six weeks ago after the team's lackluster performance.
Owner Woody Johnson announced the move, stating, "Today, I informed Joe Douglas he will no longer serve as the General Manager of the New York Jets. I want to thank Joe for his commitment to the Jets over the last six years and wish him and his family the best moving forward." Johnson has appointed Phil Savage, who has been with the Jets since 2019 as senior football advisor, as the interim general manager.
This latest shakeup arrives after the Jets suffered crushing losses, including their most recent defeat to the Indianapolis Colts, which cemented their current record at 3-8. Following this loss, the franchise is now positioned to miss the playoffs for its fourteenth consecutive season, marking the longest active drought of its kind within the NFL.
Douglas's tenure with the Jets has been marked by both potential and disappointment. Since taking the reins as GM, the team has struggled with consistency, compiling a mere 30-64 record. Despite some successes, such as drafting talented players like wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner, Douglas was unable to find the long-sought franchise quarterback. This shortfall forced the Jets to take drastic measures—in this case, trading for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who has had limited impact due to injury.
The decision to part ways with Douglas may stem from Johnson's frustration over the team's underperformance, especially after making significant investments to improve its roster heading from the 2024 season.
Under Douglas's leadership, many veterans were brought on board, most of whom, unfortunately, failed to deliver at the expected levels. The most symbolic of Douglas's efforts gone awry was the acquisition of Rodgers. The quarterback, who was expected to lead the Jets back to respectability after years of turmoil, suffered from injuries early on, playing just parts of two seasons. Consequently, the Jets' offense has averaged only 18.5 points per game, ranking 26th overall.
The firing of Douglas adds more pressure on the organization to find answers and lead the team out of this abyss. Moving forward, there are questions about not just the general manager position but also the opposite side of the ball. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who stepped up after Saleh's departure, has found it challenging to turn the team's fortunes around, with just one win since he took over the helm.
It’s no secret—this was supposed to be the season the Jets transformed their narrative. The hopes were pinned high on the shoulders of Rodgers, along with the bevy of young talent Douglas had amassed. Yet, as the Jets approach their bye week, questions swirl: Is it time to rebuild again? Will Rodgers be part of the future, or will the Jets look for other options at quarterback?
The firing of Douglas crystallizes the urgency of the situation. Johnson, expressing optimism just weeks ago about the squad's talent level, has now taken concrete steps to reshape the management structure as he seeks fresh leadership aligned with his vision for the Jets. The chaos surrounding the Jets off the field may be echoing what’s occurring on it, leading most to raise significant doubts about this organization.
Douglas's move to bring on aging veterans, alongside high-profile names, has been criticized, especially as many of those signings have not had the impact the Jets hoped for. He now heads out after failing to build the winning culture fans have desperately been longing for, once envisioned by the franchise during his arrival.
Now, as Savage takes the role of interim GM, the Jets must confront the unsettling truth about their current standing. With only six games left this season, there’s little room for error as they seek to find the right talent to pivot this franchise back to competitiveness.
The question looms large: which direction will the Jets take moving forward? With many uncertainties swirling around Rodgers’ future after enduring one of his most challenging seasons statistically, the upcoming offseason promises to be particularly transformative for the beleaguered franchise.
