Joe Douglas has been dismissed as general manager of the New York Jets after a disappointing 3-8 start to the season, marking a significant shakeup for the franchise. After the Jets brought in Aaron Rodgers with hopes of a Super Bowl run, their season quickly unraveled following his season-ending Achilles injury in the opener. With playoff hopes all but gone, the team is poised to miss the postseason for the 14th consecutive year.
Douglas, who became GM in 2019, leaves after compiling a 30-64 record, failing to secure a winning season. His firing comes just weeks after head coach Robert Saleh was let go in early October, signaling a broader effort by team owner Woody Johnson to make sweeping changes following a frustrating season.
In a statement, Johnson expressed gratitude for Douglas’ contributions but acknowledged the need for a new direction. Phil Savage, the team’s senior football adviser since 2019, has been named interim GM for the remainder of the year, with the search for a permanent replacement already underway.
Douglas, in the final year of his contract, made several bold moves, including trading for Rodgers, which had raised expectations for a Super Bowl run. However, the injury to Rodgers, combined with the team’s ongoing struggles with the offensive line, derailed those ambitions. Despite criticism for these setbacks, Douglas did draft key young players like cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and running back Breece Hall, who have shown potential for the future.
This season has been plagued by frustration for the Jets, with notable defeats, including a 31-6 loss to Arizona and a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Indianapolis. With the team’s playoff chances fading, Johnson opted for a mid-season change rather than waiting until the end of the year in hopes of altering the team’s trajectory.
Compounding the situation is Johnson’s potential political future. As a former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, Johnson could return to the role if Donald Trump wins a second term as president, which may require him to reduce his involvement with the Jets.
Douglas’ tenure will be remembered for both bold moves and missed opportunities. The acquisition of Rodgers was a high-profile success, but the injury to the quarterback, combined with other roster issues, left the Jets with little to show for their high expectations. The uncertainty around Rodgers’ future, combined with the team’s ongoing struggles, has left the Jets in need of a fresh start.
Savage, who has extensive experience in NFL front offices, including as general manager of the Cleveland Browns and roles with the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, will now oversee the team’s operations. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the Jets look to rebuild and regroup for the remainder of the season.
