In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL, the New York Jets have fired general manager Joe Douglas, marking the latest step in a dramatic organizational reset following a bitterly disappointing 2024 season. The decision comes on the heels of the midseason firing of head coach Robert Saleh and the demotion of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, casting further doubt on the future of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers in New York.
Jets Owner Cleans House
Jets owner Woody Johnson has been on a firing spree, methodically eliminating the top figures in his organization to pave the way for a fresh start. Sources close to the situation describe a “miserable” atmosphere within the team, with Johnson becoming increasingly meddlesome in personnel decisions. The writing was on the wall for Douglas, whose blockbuster trade for Rodgers in April 2023 has failed to deliver the success the Jets so desperately craved.
“If I don’t do what I know I’m capable of doing, we’re all probably going to be out of here.”
– Aaron Rodgers in May 2023
Rodgers’ words proved prophetic. Since the trade, the Jets have stumbled to a mediocre 10-18 record, with the future Hall of Famer struggling to recapture his vintage form. A ruptured Achilles tendon in Week 1 of the 2023 season derailed any hopes of a fairytale start in New York, and the team never recovered.
What’s Next for the Jets?
With Douglas gone, the Jets are staring down the barrel of a total reboot in 2025. A new general manager, head coach, and potentially a new starting quarterback could all be on the cards. Johnson is wasting no time, keen to get a jump on the GM search before the market heats up. But the traditional power structure – GM hires coach – isn’t set in stone. If a coveted head coaching candidate emerges, Johnson could be tempted to hand them the keys to the castle.
End of the Road for Rodgers?
As for Rodgers, the tea leaves aren’t promising. The 41-year-old came to New York to play for Douglas, Saleh, and Hackett. With that trio gone or demoted, it’s hard to envision him embracing a full-scale rebuild under new leadership. One source familiar with Johnson’s thinking would be “shocked” if Rodgers returns in 2025. A once symbiotic relationship appears headed for an unceremonious divorce.
Dark Days in New York
For Jets fans, it’s a all-too-familiar feeling of dejection and disarray. The team that Johnson boldly proclaimed had the best roster of his 25-year ownership tenure is now in shambles, a rudderless ship desperately seeking a new course. Douglas, for all his efforts, couldn’t break the cycle of mediocrity that has haunted this franchise for decades. Five-plus seasons, two fired coaches, and a 30-64 record tell the tale of his tenure.
“Everybody knew the stakes. All or nothing. Nothing won.”
– According to a Jets source
As another offseason of upheaval looms, Jets fans are left to wonder: Is this the reset that finally changes the narrative? Or just another chapter in a never-ending story of futility? For now, only one thing is certain in New York – uncertainty reigns supreme.
