Mike Maccagnan Named GM of Jets: Latest Contract Details and Reaction

As expected, the New York Jets announced the hiring of Houston Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan as their next general manager. 

Continue for updates.

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Jets Dismiss Terry Bradway, Jeff Bauer

Friday, Jan. 16

Maccagnan has wasted no time in shaking up the Jets' front office. The team has parted ways with senior director of college scouting Terry Bradway and director of college scouting Jeff Bauer. Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk provides a statement from Maccagnan, who spoke about the decision:

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Today, I informed Terry and Jeff that the organization will be moving forward without them,” new Jets G.M. Mike Maccagnan said in a team-issued statement Friday. “They have made valuable contributions to the New York Jets for more than a decade and we wish them both success in the future.

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Maccagan Named GM of Jets

Tuesday, Jan. 13

The Jets announced the hiring of Maccagnan:

Maccagnan has worked in the NFL for the last two decades, largely building his resume on a keen ability to spot talent. He worked as a scout in Washington from 1994 to 2000 before a 15-year run with Houston, where he ascended from a coordinator within the Texans' college scouting department to its director over the last four seasons.

Bob Glauber of Newsday reports there will be big changes to the staff:

One of those changes may be adding former Jaguars general manager Gene Smith, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

"In my line of work, having the chance to serve as a general manager is what you work towards your entire career," Maccagnan said in a release. "Having a supportive owner who is passionate and committed to delivering a winning team to the fans is one of the keys to building a successful organization."

Ben Shpigel of The New York Times reported Maccagnan and the Jets were close to an agreement earlier this week. Maccagnan was one of seven candidates to meet with owner Woody Johnson but was the only one to receive a second interview. The process heated up over the weekend following that second meeting, and by early Tuesday his hiring seemed inevitable.

Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reported Maccagnan was already preparing to meet with Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who is emerging as a favorite for New York's vacant head coaching position.

The Jets went through a first round of interviews with prospective candidates despite not having a general manager in place, an odd move that will no doubt prolong the process. It's likely Maccagnan would want to meet with any candidate before pulling the trigger on the hire.

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Maccagnan takes over for the deposed John Idzik, who was fired by Johnson after two seasons amid an organizational housecleaning. Idzik's lack of spending on the free-agent market this past offseason put the Jets behind a talent eight ball, and they finished a disappointing 4-12. Head coach Rex Ryan, who recently landed on his feet with the division-rival Buffalo Bills, was also let go after six seasons.

"As with all teams, there are some areas we need to address, but we’re going to hire the right head coach, evaluate our personnel, and work together to build a football operation to get the New York Jets back on the winning track," Maccagnan said.

The positive aspect of New York's lack of spending last offseason is that it should have plenty of cap space for 2015. Depending on how high the cap is set for next year, it's possible the Jets have upward of $50 million to spend, according to the New York Daily News—and that's without accounting for any major cuts. 

Maccagnan will also get to use his college scouting background at the top of the draft, as the Jets hold the No. 6 overall selection. It's possible, depending on how the next few months shake out, that New York could land its next franchise quarterback in Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston.

Either way, it appears the Jets have a plan in place, which is far more than you could say about how things went toward the end of the Idzik-Ryan era.

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