The New York Jets have parted ways with general manager Joe Douglas, as confirmed by the team on Tuesday.
At 48 years old, Douglas was in the last year of a six-year deal he signed in 2019 to manage the Jets’ roster, but was let go after the team started the season with a disappointing 3-8 record.
In a statement, owner Woody Johnson expressed gratitude, saying, “We would like to thank Joe for his contributions to the Jets over the past six years and wish him and his family the best in the future.”
Douglas took the helm after spending three years as the vice president of player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles. Under his leadership, the Jets have tallied a disheartening 30-64 record over 94 games.
One of his significant miscalculations involved the quarterback position.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, Douglas chose quarterback Zach Wilson as the second overall pick. However, Wilson’s performance was lackluster; he ended up with a 12-21 record in three seasons, recording a disappointing passer rating of 73.2. This offseason, he was traded to the Denver Broncos.
Then, ahead of the 2023 season, Douglas made headlines by trading for star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a decision that quickly backfired.
Rodgers suffered an Achilles tendon injury just four plays into his first game, forcing Wilson back into the starting role. That season culminated in a 7-10 record for New York.
This year, with hopes pinned on Rodgers’ return, the Jets face the reality of potentially finishing with an even worse record. Rodgers is experiencing significant declines in several performance metrics.
Douglas’s departure marks the Jets’ second major personnel change this season, following the firing of head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start. The team has since gone on to lose five out of their next six games.
The Jets began the season with optimistic expectations but quickly faced challenges, including a $50,000 fine issued to Rodgers in July after his absence from a mandatory practice to travel to Egypt.
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In a memorable moment during the Jets’ third game, Rodgers famously declined a hug from Coach Saleh, instead giving him a light push after a touchdown. Both individuals later indicated that the incident was just playful.
Following Saleh’s firing, Douglas aimed to enhance the team’s stagnant offense by acquiring wide receiver Davante Adams, who previously played alongside Rodgers at the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately, Adams has only achieved one touchdown in five games and hasn’t surpassed 100 receiving yards in any game with the Jets.
Moving forward, the Jets will need to hire both a new head coach and general manager during the offseason. If the season were to conclude now, New York would hold the seventh pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rodgers is contracted for one more season, carrying a cap hit of $23.5 million for next year.
