Joe Douglas’ time as the New York Jets’ general manager came to an abrupt end on Tuesday, as owner Woody Johnson made the decision to fire him during the team’s bye week.
Douglas’ dismissal marks the end of a turbulent six-season tenure. Douglas finished with a 30-64 record, never managing more than seven wins in a single season.
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As the Jets look ahead to 2025, here are eight executives the team should consider for the general manager role.
Ray Agnew, Detroit Lions Assistant GM
Ray Agnew has a compelling and accomplished football background. The former defensive lineman was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1990 NFL draft and went on to play 11 seasons in the league with the Patriots, Rams, and Giants. Agnew is in his fourth season with the Detroit Lions, and he joined the organization when GM Brad Holmes brought him over from the Los Angeles Rams.
Over his four seasons in the Motor City, Agnew has built a credible reputation for player evaluation and roster construction, helping shape the Lions into an emerging contender. Before joining the Lions’ front office, Agnew spent four years as the Rams’ director of pro scouting, following an 18-season tenure with the team in various roles, including assistant director of pro personnel.
It’s also worth noting that Agnew’s son, Ray Agnew III, is in his eighth season with the New York Jets front office and currently serves as a pro scout. Together, their careers reflect a family deeply embedded in the NFL’s scouting and personnel world.
Ed Dodds, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM
Ed Dodds is a top candidate for the Jets’ potential general manager opening, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in building successful rosters.
Dodds, the Indianapolis Colts’ assistant GM, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s roster since 2017. His NFL career took off during his decade-long tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, where he played a crucial role in constructing the foundation of their Super Bowl-winning roster.
Dodds is known for his sharp scouting acumen and unrelenting work ethic. He excels at identifying talent that fits a team’s culture and system. His expertise in building through the draft and developing homegrown talent could be exactly what the Jets need to rebuild and create sustained success. Dodds has a reputation as a straight shooter and a relentless competitor.
Ian Cunningham, Chicago Bears Assistant GM
Ian Cunningham is a rising star in NFL front offices.
Currently serving as the assistant GM for the Chicago Bears, Cunningham has quickly earned a reputation for his sharp talent evaluation and forward-thinking roster strategies. Before joining the Bears in 2022, Cunningham spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as the director of college scouting and later as the assistant director of player personnel.
During his time in Philadelphia, he played a critical role in assembling the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning roster in 2017, contributing to the drafting and development of key players such as franchise quarterback Carson Wentz, defensive end Derek Barnett, and running back Miles Sanders.
Cunningham offers a modern and well-rounded perspective.
Mike Borgonzi, Kansas City Chiefs Assistant GM
Mike Borgonzi is a highly respected NFL executive. Currently serving as the Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager, Borgonzi has been a key figure in one of the league’s most dominant organizations.
Over his 16 years with the Chiefs, Borgonzi has climbed the ranks, previously holding roles such as director of football operations and director of player personnel. His tenure has coincided with Kansas City’s transformation into a perennial powerhouse, highlighted by multiple Super Bowl victories. Borgonzi has played an instrumental role in shaping the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-caliber roster.
Known for his analytical approach and ability to identify talent that fits a team’s vision, Borgonzi’s experience with a winning culture makes him a prime candidate to help the Jets rebuild into contenders.
Duke Tobin, Cincinnati Bengals director of Player Personnel
Serving as the Cincinnati Bengals’ director of player personnel, Duke Tobin has been credited as a leading culprit behind the team’s turnaround in recent years. His keen eye for talent has been instrumental in building a roster that led the Bengals to consecutive playoff appearances and a Super Bowl berth. Key draft successes under his watch include Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, who have become the franchise’s cornerstones.
Tobin is known for his collaborative approach and ability to balance long-term roster sustainability with short-term success. With extensive experience in both college and pro scouting, he excels at identifying talent that aligns with a team’s vision.
Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant General Manager
Brandon Brown, the current assistant general manager of the New York Giants, is an intriguing candidate for the Jets’ 2025 general manager opening. After spending two years at Boston College, Brown’s NFL career started with the Indianapolis Colts, first as a recruiting specialist in 2013 and then as the assistant director of player personnel in 2014.
In 2017, Brown joined the Philadelphia Eagles as the director of pro scouting, where he participated in the team’s scouting and player evaluation processes.
Brown then joined the New York Giants front office in 2020 and currently serves as the Giants’ assistant GM, contributing to the team’s draft and roster-building efforts. Although the Giants have struggled to sustain success recently, Brown’s resume speaks for itself.
Brown’s experience in Philadelphia and New York, along with his proven ability to evaluate talent, make him a solid candidate to help the Jets rebuild and return to relevance.
John Dorsey, Detroit Lions Senior Personnel Executive
John Dorsey is a veteran NFL executive with a wealth of experience in scouting and team-building. He began his career with the Green Bay Packers, spending 18 seasons as the team’s director of college scouting and football operations. During his time with the Packers, he played a key role in identifying players such as Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, helping to build a Super Bowl-winning roster in 2010.
In 2013, Dorsey joined the Kansas City Chiefs as their GM, where he revitalized the team’s roster, including drafting cornerstone players such as Eric Fisher, Patrick Mahomes, and Tyreek Hill. Under his leadership, the Chiefs made significant strides, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance two years after his departure in 2017. Dorsey later served as GM of the Cleveland Browns, where he was responsible for drafting key contributors including Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward.
With a strong track record in both talent evaluation and roster construction, Dorsey’s experience makes him a compelling candidate for the Jets as they look to rebuild and contend in the AFC.
Andy Weidl, Pittsburgh Steelers Assistant General Manager
Andy Weidl is an experienced NFL executive with a strong track record in player evaluation and roster construction. Weidl spent 11 years with the Baltimore Ravens (2005-15). He scouted for Ravens general manager and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome’s staff and helped the organization capture Super Bowl XLVII during the 2012 season. He quickly developed a reputation for his keen eye for talent. After several years with the Ravens, he joined the Philadelphia Eagle’s front office in 2017.
During his time with the Eagles, Weidl was instrumental in the team’s successful drafts and player acquisitions, including essential selections that helped the team win Super Bowl LII. His ability to identify under-the-radar talent and build a robust and well-rounded roster was crucial to the Eagles’ sustained success.
In 2022, Weidl joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as Assistant General Manager after interviewing twice for the position. He continued his role in player evaluation and roster management under general manager Omar Kahan. His deep knowledge of both pro and college talent and his expertise in building championship-contending teams make Weidl a strong candidate for the Jets, who are looking to rebuild and return to playoff contention.
