New York Jets clean house: GM Joe Douglas fired after disastrous season

TThe New York Jets’ 2025 offseason overhaul is officially underway, and it’s a seismic one. General Manager Joe Douglas is outafter head coach Robert Saleh, who owns Woody Johnson clears the deck for what can only be described as one of the most frustrating seasons in franchise history.

Hired in 2019 with high hopes, Douglas leaves a legacy marked by both ups and downs. His six-year tenure ended with a 30-64 record, no playoff appearances and no winning seasons. “Douglas made bold moves, but the results just weren’t there,” said a source close to the team. Among the most scrutinized moves was the choice of quarterback Zach Wilson with choice no. 2 in the 2021 draft — a decision that continues to haunt the Jets.

However, there were bright spots. Douglas’ 2022 draft class, with rising stars such as Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Breece Halldemonstrated his ability to identify young talent. But even these successes could not offset the setbacks.

His decision to trade for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2023 was a swing for the fences, but the gamble quickly unraveled when Rodgers tore his Achilles just four snaps into the season. The Jets’ struggles have only continued, limped to a 3-8 record in 2024 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

Joe Douglas joins Robert Saleh on the chopping block

This marks a pivotal moment for the Jets as they search for a new day-to-day manager and head coach at the same time for the first time since 2015. With a roster that includes excellent talent but glaring weaknesses, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The team entered the 2024 season with legitimate Super Bowl hopes, but with Douglas leaving, these dreams feel like a distant memory.

While Douglas’ tenure may ultimately be defined by missed opportunities, his contributions should not be completely overlooked. Building a core of young, dynamic players like Gardner and Wilson has given the team something to build on. Now the Jets face the daunting challenge find the right management to translate promises into results.

The future of the franchise depends on these next decisions. As one fan put it, “We have waited so long. It’s time to get this right.” Whether the Jets can finally deliver remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: change is here, and it’s massive.