New York Jets in GM Holding Pattern; Owner & Coach To Address Media January 8th

Since the firing of general manager Mike Tannenbaum there hasn’t been much of anything coming out from the Jets facility in Florham Park.  It seems as if the team will be waiting to find a new general manager before deciding the fate of assistant coaches and front office personnel.

Owner Woody Johnson has hired a “search firm” to lead the effort to find qualified general manger candidates:

The New York Jets have hired Jed Hughes of Korn/Ferry International to lead their search for a new general manager to replace Mike Tannenbaum, according to a league source.

Source: CBSSports.com / Lisa Zimmerman

Former Indianapolis Colts executive and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Tannenbaum for quite some time.   USA Today has reported the Jets contacted Polian, before enlisting the aid of a firm, but he declined to interview with the team.

List of possible candidates include:

Tom Gamble, 49ers: Well-respected personnel director is part of an excellent front office led by GM Trent Baalke. The Niners’ drafts have been excellent in recent years. The Jets are expected to interview Gamble.

Marc Ross, Giants: In his fifth season as Giants director of college scouting, during which time the Giants have selected players such as like Jason Pierre-Paul, Hakeem Nicks and David Wilson. The Jets are set to interview Ross.

John Dorsey, Packers: Appointed director of player personnel before this season, he has an extensive resume in draft preparation. Former NFL linebacker comes from Ted Thompson GM tree, which is a good one.

Joey Clinkscales, Raiders: The former Jets scouting director went to the Raiders last year but could be enticed to return in a more prominent role with the Jets.

Jerry Angelo: Fired by the Bears after last season, was the team’s GM for its Super Bowl run after the 2006 season.

Mike Maccagnan, Texans: Longtime personnel director for the Texans, who have made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Instrumental in drafting defensive stars J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin

Dave Caldwell, Falcons: Promoted to director of player personnel after four years as college scouting director. Considered a rising talent in NFL circles.

George Kokinis, Ravens: Former Browns GM has been Ravens director of player personnel the last five seasons.

Source: Newsday / Bob Glauber

Other candidates:

• Tom Heckert: Former Cleveland Browns general manager.
• Scott Cohen: Current Jets assistant general manager.

Owner Woody Johnson and head coach Rex Ryan will be addressing the media on, Tuesday January 8^th at 11-am, in their season ending press conference.  It is not likely we’ll hear anything out of the organization till then.

Dennis Agapito

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