Jets Fire GM Joe Douglas After More Than Five Seasons with Franchise
The New York Jets have fired general manager Joe Douglas after more than five seasons with the franchise. The move comes after a disappointing 2022 campaign that saw the Jets finish with a 7-10 record and miss the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season.
Douglas’ Tenure with the Jets
Douglas was hired by the Jets in June 2019 after spending 16 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as vice president of player personnel. During his tenure with the Jets, Douglas oversaw the team’s rebuild, which included drafting quarterback Zach Wilson with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Douglas also made several key acquisitions in free agency, including wide receiver Corey Davis, running back Tevin Coleman, and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. However, the Jets struggled to find consistent success under Douglas, posting a 20-43 record during his five seasons at the helm.
Disappointing 2022 Season
The Jets entered the 2022 season with high hopes after a promising 4-13 campaign in 2021. However, the team struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, finishing 31st in the NFL in points per game and 30th in points allowed per game.
Wilson, who was expected to take a step forward in his second season, struggled with injuries and inconsistency, throwing for just 2,527 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Jets’ defense also failed to live up to expectations, allowing a league-worst 45 sacks.
Ownership’s Decision
The Jets’ ownership group, led by CEO Christopher Johnson, decided to part ways with Douglas after a thorough review of the team’s performance in 2022. In a statement released by the team, Johnson thanked Douglas for his contributions but said that a change in leadership was necessary.
“We would like to thank Joe for his hard work and dedication to the Jets over the past five seasons,” Johnson said. “He has put in countless hours and has made many difficult decisions in an effort to improve our team. However, we have not seen the results we expected, and we believe that a change in leadership is necessary at this time.”
Next Steps for the Jets
The Jets will now begin the search for their next general manager. The team is expected to cast a wide net, interviewing both internal and external candidates. Some potential candidates include former Jets assistant general manager Rex Ryan and former Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
The Jets will also be looking to make significant changes to their roster this offseason. The team has several holes to fill, including at quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback. The Jets are expected to be active in free agency and the NFL Draft, as they look to build a team capable of competing for a playoff berth in 2023.
Conclusion
The firing of Joe Douglas marks a new chapter in the Jets’ ongoing rebuild. The team has been one of the most disappointing in the NFL over the past decade, and ownership is hoping that a change in leadership will finally lead to a turnaround.
The Jets have a lot of work to do this offseason, but they have a solid foundation to build upon. With a talented young quarterback in Zach Wilson and a number of promising players on both sides of the ball, the Jets have the potential to be a competitive team in the near future.