Weeks after parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh, the New York Jets have continued their organizational shake-up by firing general manager Joe Douglas.
The news, first reported by SNY’s Connor Hughes, has been confirmed by the team, which announced that veteran executive Phil Savage will serve as interim GM.
Douglas was in the final year of his contract in 2024, leading to early-season speculation about his job security.
While Douglas, Saleh, and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett were given a pass for the disappointing 2023 season—largely due to Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury—the current season’s struggles have forced significant changes.
Saleh was dismissed in October, Hackett was replaced by Todd Downing as offensive play-caller, and now Douglas has been shown the door.
Notably, Douglas was excluded from the decision to fire Saleh, signaling a potential disconnect between him and owner Woody Johnson.
With another playoff-less season unfolding, Johnson has opted to make further changes at the top.
The Jets’ upcoming offseason efforts will undoubtedly draw attention as the organization seeks to reset.
Earlier reports suggested that both Douglas and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich were held in high regard by Johnson, fueling speculation they might finish the season.
However, Ulbrich’s 1-5 record since taking over dashed playoff hopes, and Johnson chose to part ways with Douglas before his contract expired.
Douglas joined the Jets as GM in 2019 following stints with the Ravens, Bears, and Eagles, where his reputation as a strong evaluator of talent raised expectations for a Jets rebuild.
His first season saw a modest 7-9 record with Sam Darnold at quarterback and Adam Gase as head coach.
The following year, however, ended in disaster with a 2-14 record, prompting sweeping changes. Gase was replaced by Saleh, and Darnold was traded in favor of drafting Zach Wilson with the No. 2 pick in 2021.
Wilson’s struggles (12-21 record, 25 interceptions, and 23 touchdowns) underscored the Jets’ inability to resolve their quarterback issues under Douglas.
After moving on from Wilson, the team traded for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in 2023.
The acquisition was intended to provide stability at quarterback, supported by key young talents like Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, and Breece Hall—most of whom were 2022 draft successes under Douglas.
However, despite these moves and a mid season trade for Davante Adams, the Jets are 3-8 in 2024.
Questions linger about Rodgers’ future, and the team’s direction remains uncertain as Johnson evaluates leadership options for 2025 and beyond.
Douglas departs with a 30-64 record during his Jets tenure, with five consecutive losing seasons and no playoff appearances.
Turning the franchise around will be a critical task for his successor.
Meanwhile, Douglas is likely to return to scouting or personnel roles with another team, though a second GM opportunity seems improbable in the near future.
