As the New York Jets prepare for their Sunday showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team’s off-field action will intensify with the start of their general manager search. According to multiple league sources, the Jets are kicking off their GM interviews this week, signaling the beginning of an important, thorough process aimed at shaping the future of the franchise.
Among the top candidates in the running are former Titans GM Jon Robinson, known for helping to build one of the NFL's most formidable rosters in Tennessee, and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, a former front-office executive in Philadelphia and Washington. These two names are just the beginning, as more candidates are expected to be interviewed as the process moves forward. Each interview will be announced or confirmed by the Jets once it's completed, with Robinson's interview slated for this week and Riddick's scheduled for a later date.
It’s crucial to note that the Jets are not locking themselves into a rigid approach of hiring a general manager first and a head coach second, or vice versa. Instead, the organization is committed to a comprehensive search that will help them secure the best candidates for both positions. However, it just so happens that the GM search will take precedence, and the interviews will kick off sooner than the head coaching interviews.
The team’s decision to start the GM interviews early comes with a unique twist: candidates like Robinson and Riddick, who are not currently employed by other NFL teams, can begin their interviews at any time. On the other hand, candidates from NFL organizations will not be eligible for interviews until after the regular season wraps up. That’s why the Jets are prioritizing candidates who are not tied to other teams in the initial stage of the process.
Jon Robinson, a name that stands out in NFL circles, certainly brings a wealth of experience to the table. During his tenure as GM of the Tennessee Titans, Robinson helped oversee the drafting of key players like running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver A.J. Brown, both of whom became franchise cornerstones. Under his leadership, the Titans enjoyed sustained success, with no losing seasons during his seven years at the helm. The team made the playoffs four times, a remarkable achievement, and Robinson’s work made him one of the most respected figures in the NFL front-office community. Despite his impressive track record, Robinson was unexpectedly fired in December 2022, a move that shocked many across the league. Still, with 69 total wins (including playoffs), Robinson ranks as the second-winningest GM in Titans history, only behind the legendary Floyd Reese, who led the team to 111 wins.
Then there’s Louis Riddick, a familiar face to NFL fans thanks to his insightful commentary on ESPN. Riddick’s name has been linked to various front-office vacancies in recent years, further fueling the buzz surrounding his candidacy for the Jets’ GM role. In 2020, Riddick interviewed for GM positions with the Detroit Lions and the Houston Texans, though neither position materialized. In May 2022, Riddick also interviewed for the Pittsburgh Steelers' GM job, which ultimately went to Omar Khan. Despite not landing one of those roles, Riddick's passion for football and his in-depth understanding of the game have earned him widespread admiration. A former NFL player himself, Riddick spent seven seasons playing for four different teams after being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1991. Following his playing career, he transitioned into front-office roles, where he spent nearly 13 years overseeing pro personnel for both the Washington Football Team and the Philadelphia Eagles. Riddick’s blend of on-field experience and front-office expertise positions him as a strong contender for the Jets’ GM job.
As the Jets continue their search, they’re receiving assistance from The 33rd Team, an NFL technology and media company. Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and former Vikings GM Rick Spielman are spearheading the project, offering their invaluable insights to help guide the Jets through this critical process. The 33rd Team has been providing data analysis and leveraging its vast experience to support the Jets’ decision-making efforts.
The need for change in the Jets' front office became apparent when the team made the decision to part ways with Joe Douglas as their GM in November, just six weeks after they fired head coach Robert Saleh. With the team’s current record sitting at 3-10, it’s clear that a fresh perspective is needed to steer the Jets back toward contention. Both the GM and head coach searches will play a pivotal role in determining the Jets' future, and the organization is committed to taking a methodical and thorough approach to get it right.
Excitingly, this search presents an opportunity for the Jets to reset and build a championship-caliber team for years to come. With a franchise rich in history and passionate fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether it’s a seasoned executive like Robinson or a rising star like Riddick, the Jets’ next general manager will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s destiny.
As the interviews continue to unfold over the next few weeks, the excitement surrounding the potential for change will only grow. Will Jon Robinson's proven success in building a strong roster make him the right choice? Or will Louis Riddick’s blend of on-field experience and front-office knowledge bring the fresh perspective the Jets desperately need? One thing is for certain: the search for the next general manager is just getting started, and the Jets’ future is in the hands of those who can make the most informed, strategic decisions. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds.
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