Jets Fire GM Joe Douglas: What Went Wrong

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Jets Fire GM Joe Douglas: What Went Wrong

The New York Jets have dismissed general manager Joe Douglas after a disappointing 3-8 season. Phil Savage steps in as interim GM. Douglas, who oversaw a 30-64 record, made some key player acquisitions but struggled with critical decisions. His exit follows the recent firing of head coach Robert Saleh.

Silicon Valley Today Reporter

2024-11-19

2–3 minutes

By Zack Rosenblatt, Amos Morale III, and Jeff Howe

The New York Jets announced on Tuesday that they have dismissed general manager Joe Douglas. Phil Savage, the team’s senior football adviser, will take over as interim GM for the remainder of the season.

“I want to express my gratitude to Joe for his dedication to the Jets over the past six years and wish him and his family all the best in the future,” said team owner Woody Johnson in a statement.

The decision comes just two days after the Jets fell to a 3-8 record following a narrow one-point loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. It also follows the team’s separation from head coach Robert Saleh six weeks ago.

Douglas, in his sixth season as the Jets’ GM, oversaw a 30-64 record during his tenure. He joined the organization in 2019 after serving as a scout with the Baltimore Ravens and holding executive roles with the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the hype surrounding a promising 2022 draft class and the high-profile acquisition of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in 2023, Douglas was unable to lead the Jets to a winning season.

Why the Jets Decided to Act Now

Given how this season has unfolded, it was increasingly clear that Douglas would not return in 2025. Thus, it is not shocking that the Jets chose to move on now, ending a six-year stretch where the team failed to come close to playoff contention. Douglas’ tenure concluded with a lower winning percentage than his predecessors, Mike Maccagnan and John Idzik. His legacy is a mix of remarkable successes and costly missteps.

Douglas inherited a roster lacking talent but gradually developed it into what appeared to be a playoff-caliber team. His 2022 draft class, featuring cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive end Jermaine Johnson, and running back Breece Hall, stands out as a major achievement. He also made savvy free-agent signings, like cornerback D.J. Reed, and found valuable contributors on waivers, such as John Franklin-Myers and Quincy Williams.

However, Douglas’ shortcomings were significant. It took six years for him to assemble an offensive line that met even league-average standards. His 2020 and 2021 draft classes were largely disappointing, with quarterback Zach Wilson standing as the most glaring failure. Despite Wilson’s struggles, Douglas was given additional chances due to the team’s defensive prowess and the belief they were just one solid quarterback away from contention.

Aaron Rodgers was expected to be that quarterback, but the plan has unraveled disastrously.

Ultimately, Douglas’ departure was sealed when Woody Johnson took charge of key decisions. Without consulting Douglas, Johnson fired Saleh after just five games and orchestrated a trade for wide receiver Davante Adams.

While Douglas is likely to find another opportunity—possibly reuniting with Howie Roseman and the Eagles—the Jets will begin their search for a new general manager.

— Zack Rosenblatt, Jets beat writer