Rick Spielman Joins New York Jets as Senior Football Adviser
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — In a move that has stirred quite a buzz in the NFL community, former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has taken on a new role with the New York Jets. Spielman, who has been a pivotal figure in the Jets’ recent searches for a general manager and head coach, is now stepping into a full-time position with the organization. This development was announced by Spielman himself on his CBS Sports podcast, “With the First Pick,” where he revealed his new title as the senior football adviser for the Jets.
For those who have been following the Jets’ journey, this is a significant addition to their front office. Spielman, a seasoned veteran in the NFL, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. He will be working closely with the new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, who are the final decision-makers in the team. Spielman humbly describes his role as a “sounding board” for these key figures, emphasizing his supportive position rather than a decision-making one.
Spielman’s involvement with the Jets isn’t entirely new. He was part of The 33rd Team, a media and technology company that the Jets hired to help compile and vet candidates for their GM and head coach positions. This collaboration was spearheaded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, who founded The 33rd Team. Together, Tannenbaum and Spielman conducted interviews with 31 candidates for both positions, showcasing the thoroughness of their search process.
At 62, Spielman is stepping into a role previously held by Phil Savage, who will continue to serve as a consultant. Savage had been the interim GM after Joe Douglas was let go in November. Spielman expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, stating, “Right now, my biggest project is trying to rebuild the football operation side of things. There’s a lot of changes going on up there. I kind of feel honored and privileged that they called me to be part of it going forward.”
One of the intriguing aspects of Spielman’s new role is his potential to be a valuable resource for Darren Mougey, who is relatively new to the GM position. Mougey, who previously served as the assistant GM for the Denver Broncos, worked alongside GM George Paton, a protégé of Spielman. This connection adds an interesting dynamic to the Jets’ front office, as Spielman and Paton have a long history of collaboration during their time in Minnesota, where Spielman was the GM from 2012 to 2021.
The Jets are currently undergoing a significant front-office shake-up. On Thursday, Mougey made the decision to part ways with two longtime executives, co-director of player personnel Greg Nejmeh and senior director of football strategy Dave Socie. In a move that underscores the interconnectedness of the NFL world, Mougey replaced Nejmeh with former Broncos scout Rob Paton, who happens to be George Paton’s nephew.
As Spielman settles into his new role, he has made it clear that he will eventually get involved in free agency and the draft. However, he is quick to emphasize that his role will remain supportive. “I don’t need to make the decisions; I don’t want to make the decisions anymore,” he said. “I really don’t. I had my day in the sun — the good and the bad. What I enjoy the most is sharing experiences.”
Spielman is expected to report to the Jets’ facility next week, although he will primarily work remotely. This flexibility allows him to lend his expertise while maintaining a balance that suits his current lifestyle.
- Rick Spielman joins the New York Jets as a senior football adviser.
- He will work closely with head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey.
- Spielman was part of The 33rd Team, assisting in the search for new leadership.
- He replaces Phil Savage, who remains as a consultant.
- Spielman will focus on rebuilding the football operations side of the Jets.
With Spielman’s extensive experience and strategic insights, the Jets are poised to navigate their current transition with a steady hand. His addition to the team is a testament to the Jets’ commitment to building a robust and dynamic front office, capable of steering the franchise towards future success.
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
