Jets Turn to Familiar Faces for GM and Head Coach Search
The New York Jets are officially hitting the reset button. After a season that can only be described as a disaster, the team has fired both head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. Now, in a move that’s raising eyebrows across the league, the Jets are looking to their past to help shape their future.
Enter The 33rd Team, a football “think tank” founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum in 2019. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets have retained the company to assist in their search for a new head coach and general manager. The 33rd Team, which is better known for its media and technology work, will now play a pivotal role in one of the most critical offseasons in Jets history.
What Is The 33rd Team?
The 33rd Team is no ordinary consulting group. Led by Tannenbaum and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman, the company specializes in data analysis and football expertise. Spielman, who previously advised the Washington Commanders during their GM and coaching searches, will join Tannenbaum in leading this project for the Jets.
So, what exactly will they do? According to reports, The 33rd Team will provide data on hiring trends, vet candidates, and conduct reference checks. They’ll essentially act as a sounding board for Jets owner Woody Johnson and his team. However, it’s still unclear whether Tannenbaum and Spielman will participate in the actual interviews.
Déjà Vu for the Jets
This isn’t the first time the Jets have turned to outside consultants for help. Back in 2015, the team brought in former GMs Charley Casserly and Ron Wolf to assist with their search. That process led to the hiring of Mike Maccagnan as GM and Todd Bowles as head coach. Now, nearly a decade later, the Jets are once again looking to outside voices to guide them through a pivotal offseason.
For Tannenbaum, this is a homecoming of sorts. The 55-year-old has a long history with the Jets, dating back to 1997 when he joined the team as a cap specialist. He eventually became the team’s GM in 2006, a role he held until 2012. During his tenure, the Jets made the playoffs three times, but Tannenbaum was ultimately fired after the 2012 season.
Interestingly, Tannenbaum has been involved in several coaching searches during his career. He hired Eric Mangini (2006) and Rex Ryan (2009) for the Jets, as well as Adam Gase (2016) for the Miami Dolphins. In each case, the team made the playoffs in the coach’s first season. Could history repeat itself?
Rex Ryan Rumors Begin to Swirl
Speaking of Rex Ryan, his name is already being floated as a potential candidate for the Jets’ head coaching job. Ryan, who led the team to its last playoff appearance in 2010, has openly expressed interest in returning to the sidelines. While it’s far too early to say whether he’ll be a serious contender, his connection to Tannenbaum certainly adds an intriguing layer to the story.
Ultimately, the final decision will rest with Woody Johnson and his brother Christopher. But with the Jets’ playoff drought now at 14 years—the longest active streak in the NFL—there’s no doubt the pressure is on to get this hire right.
Spielman Brings His Own Expertise
While much of the focus has been on Tannenbaum, Rick Spielman is no slouch when it comes to building a team. The 61-year-old served as the Vikings’ GM from 2012 to 2021, leading the team to four playoff appearances. During his tenure, he conducted one coaching search, hiring Mike Zimmer in 2014. Zimmer went on to coach the Vikings for eight seasons, making three playoff appearances.
Spielman’s experience and analytical approach could prove invaluable as the Jets navigate this critical offseason. This will also mark the first time The 33rd Team has been involved in an NFL coaching and GM search, adding another layer of intrigue to the process.
What’s Next for the Jets?
With a 3-8 record and a fanbase desperate for change, the Jets are at a crossroads. The decisions they make in the coming months will shape the future of the franchise for years to come. By bringing in The 33rd Team, the Jets are signaling that they’re willing to think outside the box to get it right this time.
But will it work? Only time will tell. For now, all eyes are on Woody Johnson, Mike Tannenbaum, and Rick Spielman as they embark on what could be the most important search in Jets history.
- The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8.
- General manager Joe Douglas was let go last week.
- The Jets’ last playoff appearance was in 2010 under Rex Ryan.
One thing is certain: Jets fans are hoping this reboot finally ends the team’s playoff drought and brings some much-needed stability to the organization.
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
