It won’t be quick. THE Jets plan to conduct an in-depth search for their next CEO. The 33rd team will help compile a list of names. The Jets will interview these candidates. They will do everything they can to add the person they believe is the right one to get them out of their 14-year playoff drought.
That search is ongoing, with the Jets officially finalizing interviews and planning more. Important reminder: The only candidates the Jets are allowed to speak with at this time are those who are not currently under contract.
Stay tuned for the latest news…
Thomas Dimitroff [interviewed]
A candidate with experience is preferred. It’s one thing to be a general manager for the first time. Doing it in New York is a whole different beast. Dimitroff fits that mold as he served as general manager of the Falcons from 2008 to 2020. The team has made the playoffs six times and appeared in one Super Bowl (Patriots in 2017) during that span. Dimitroff’s first choice as team general manager was quarterback Matt Ryanwho made four Pro Bowls and earned a first-team All-Pro honor.
Other notable draft picks during his tenure include wide receiver Julio Jones (first round, No. 6), running back Devonta Freeman (fourth round, n°103), right end Austin Hooper (third round, No. 81) and receiver Calvin Ridley (first round, n°26)
Dimitroff spent six years in the Patriots organization (national scout, 2002; director of college scouting, 2003-2007) before joining Atlanta. He also served as a college scout for the Browns (1998-2001), Lions (1994-1997) and Chiefs (1993).
Jon Robinson [interviewed]
The immediate connection here will be at Mike Vrabelwho, according to multiple NFL sources, is the coach the Jets covet most. Johnson served as the Titans’ general manager from 2016 to 2022. Vrabel was the Titans’ coach for his final four years. Johnson previously served as the Bucs’ director of player personnel (2013-2015). He also spent time within the Patriots organization as a scout (2002-2007), assistant director of college scouting (2008) and director of college scouting (2009-2012).
The Titans made the playoffs four times under Robinson’s leadership. More impressive: The Titans’ 7-10 record in Robinson’s final season was their only losing record during his tenure. They have won three playoff games – one in 2017 (beating the Chiefs) and two in 2019 (beating the Patriots and Ravens). Tackle Jack Conklin (first round, No. 8), running back Derrick Henri (second round, No. 45), cornerback Adored Jackson (first round, No. 18), tight end Jonnu Smith (third round, No. 100), defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons (first round. No. 19) and receiver AJ Brown (second round, No. 51) were among his draft picks. He had a colossal bust: Tackle Isaiah Wilson.
Jim Nagy [interviewed]
The Jets, once again, are leaving no stone unturned as they search for their next general manager. Nagy, who the team interviewed, is the current executive director of the Senior Bowl. Nagy served as a scout in the NFL for 18 years, including stops with the Packers, Commanders, Patriots, Chiefs and Seahawks.
Louis Riddick [to interview]
This would be an outside-the-box hire for the Jets. Riddick is currently an analyst for ESPN. He does, however, have management experience, having previously served as the Eagles’ assistant director of professional personnel (2009) and director of professional personnel (2010-2013). He also served as Washington’s director of pro personnel from 2005 to 2007. He worked as a pro scout for the Now Commanders from 2001 to 2004 and for the Eagles in 2008.
Riddick also played from 1991 to 1999 for various teams. Although he did not land a general manager position, he participated in interview rounds. The Lions and Texans both interviewed him in 2020. The Giants interviewed him in 2017.
