Jets Rumors: 'Preliminary' Work on GM Search Underway; Jon Robinson Linked

The New York Jets are on the verge of a franchise-altering offseason with the impending hirings of a new general manager and a new head coach, and they've reportedly gotten a head start on filling one of those holes.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Jets "have begun preliminary work on general manager candidates, including the evaluation of those not currently in the league." Former Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson, who held that position from 2016 to 2022, "is someone I expect the Jets to research," Fowler added.

Jets owner Woody Johnson made the questionable decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh following the team's 2-3 start to the season. When New York was unable to turn things around under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas last month. Douglas had been in the final year of his contract and wasn't expected to return following his disappointing tenure at the helm. Phil Savage is serving as the team's interim GM for the remainder of the season.

Fowler explained that pursuing Robinson and other GM candidates who aren't in the league is a strategy that "makes sense, since clubs are free to talk with candidates not currently employed in the NFL but must wait until after the regular season to submit interview requests for those employed by other teams." Former league executives Mike Tannenbaum, who was the Jets' GM from 2006 to 2012, and Rick Spielman were tabbed to aid in the team's search for Douglas' replacement.

Robinson would be a solid choice, as the Titans were 66-43 during his seven-year tenure. Following his departure, Tennessee went 6-11 in 2023 and is currently in last place in the AFC South this season with a 3-10 record.

The Jets also have a 3-10 record, but unlike the Titans, they entered the year with aspirations of contending for a spot in Super Bowl LIX. The new regime will be faced with the tall task of trying to reinspire confidence that New York will be able to end its lengthy run of ineptitude in 2025 and beyond.