By next week, we should find out just how toxic the Jets' brand has become within the inner circles of the NFL.
Gang Green has reportedly set up interviews with a handful of executives from around the league to fill the general manager slot that opened up after Mike Maccagnan was fired in bizarre timing on May 15.
It shouldn't be that awful of a job, despite the club's cumulative 24-40 record in their four seasons with Maccagnan in charge of the roster. The Jets have added some talent to a team that already has a potential franchise quarterback on a rookie contract in San Darnold. None of the reported candidates have had prior experience in the big chair, which, in theory, should be a big enticement for those who dream for such a promotion.
Yet the Jets reek from dysfunction, with the biggest stink leaking down from the top. Owner Christopher Johnson has proven his incompetence in his short time filling in for brother Woody, who is currently serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Now add in the uncertainty from the 2020 Presidential election, which could easily lead to a yet-to-be-announced power restructuring. Will these candidates risk the unknown of having to report to someone they haven't met after two seasons on the job?
Then there's the clouds hanging around Adam Gase, who was only hired in January and, presumably, only hired for the position of head coach.
It didn't take long for Gase to clash with Maccagnan over the roster makeup, both face-to-face and through passive aggressiveness. Gase convinced Johnson he can function as the acting GM while also overseeing voluntary OTAs the past two weeks and next week's mandatory minicamp. Gase keeps saying he doesn't want control over the final 53, yet all his actions suggest otherwise.
In Miami, it was probably Gase's personality as much as his mediocre 23-25 record that led to his ouster after three seasons. He reportedly got into confrontations with key players and even his owner.
Gase had about a day or so to ponder his missteps before the Jets came calling for an interview for their coaching vacancy. That's not quite enough time to commit to behavioral adjustments.
Whoever replaces Maccagnan has to know what he is getting into.
That's why multiple reports have listed Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas as the frontrunner in the Jets' process. He reportedly will interview for the job this weekend.
Though Douglas has only been with the Eagles since 2016, he has been credited with providing value as Howie Roseman's right-hand man in the club's run to the 2018 Super Bowl. In his prior experience, Douglas cut his teeth working in Baltimore's personnel department under the leadership of venerable GM Ozzie Newsome.
Most importantly, though, Douglas has worked with Gase before, albeit for only the 2015 season in Chicago. However, I have seen reports that suggested that the two are "close" personally, which could help assuage Gase to surrender control.
That same season and from 2009-14 in Denver, Gase also worked with Chicago assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly, who is also expected to receive an interview in the coming days. However, Kelly, though highly-regarded, is third in the Bears' organizational chart behind GM Ryan Pace and director of player personnel Josh Lucas. Douglas as the Eagles' number 2, should be considered a better fit on paper.
The other candidates the Jets are reportedly looking to interview--Seattle co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer and New Orleans director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot (Minnesota assistant general manager George Paton reportedly turned the Jets down--for a third time) are both qualified, with long service times in their respective winning programs. Neither, though, has any ties to Gase, who allegedly will assist Johnson in the search process.
Other than if Gase indeed has an outsized influence, there really is nothing to quibble about regarding such a process. The Jets are doing their own due diligence this time—no third-party contractors with their own agendas—and have compiled a solid list of potential candidates.
But we all just assume that the Jets can execute it to a satisfactory resolution. We should know better by now. Turbulence is always in the air when it comes to the Jets.
Reports indicate that Roseman will try to keep Douglas in the fold. Will the Jets ante up—in terms of both money and power--if necessary to secure whoever ends up as their top choice? That's never been a sure thing with the Johnson's.
And how much has the recent turmoil affected the lure of a GM job in New York? I can see how a Douglas, Fitterer or a Fontenot might want to remain patient and hope for a better gig after this season. Paton obviously wants no part of this mess.
In about a week, we'll know for sure.
For a FAN's perspective of the Nets, Devils and Jets, follow Steve on Twitter @SteveLichtenst1.
