The New York Jets have concluded their extensive search for a new leadership duo, appointing a first-time general manager and a first-time head coach in order to rejuvenate the team.
On Saturday, Darren Mougey, who has served as the assistant general manager for the Denver Broncos, finalized an agreement to take on the GM role for the Jets.
At 39 years old, Mougey has spent the past three seasons working closely with Broncos general manager George Paton and now steps into the position vacated by the dismissed Joe Douglas, joining forces with newly appointed head coach Aaron Glenn.
In a statement, Jets owner and chairman Woody Johnson expressed confidence in Mougey’s credentials, stating, “Darren is a trusted NFL executive who has experience working with an impressive collection of football leaders.
He is a proven talent evaluator who impressed us with his vision for this team. His partnership with Coach Glenn will revitalize this organization.”
Both Mougey and Glenn will be officially introduced during a press conference scheduled for Monday at the team’s training center in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Mougey, who is now the third-youngest general manager in the NFL, has a considerable background in Denver’s front office.
He began his NFL career as a scouting intern under former Denver executive John Elway in 2012 and has since held various positions, culminating as the director of player personnel before his promotion to assistant GM in 2021.
“It is one of the great honors and privileges of my life to serve as the general manager of the New York Jets,” Mougey remarked.
He acknowledged the responsibility entrusted to him by Johnson, expressing excitement about collaborating with Coach Glenn to construct a team that fans can be proud of.
Under Mougey’s contributions in Denver, the Broncos achieved Super Bowl success during the 2015 season while he also played a role in assembling a playoff-contending team this past season under head coach Sean Payton, ending an eight-year playoff drought.
Despite the accomplishments, Mougey’s tenure also included involvement in a controversial trade for quarterback Russell Wilson.
The franchise’s decision to trade multiple draft picks in exchange for Wilson in 2022 turned sour as the quarterback lasted only two seasons in Denver.
In a competitive hiring process, Mougey triumphed over at least 14 other candidates, moving ahead of finalists including Washington assistant GM Lance Newmark and Cincinnati executive Trey Brown after a second round of interviews with the Jets.
Following the extensive search, Johnson shared his satisfaction stating, “I am proud of the thorough search we undertook, and that it led us to the two best individuals to lead our football team going forward.”
Mougey and Glenn will face the formidable task of revamping a franchise that holds the NFL’s longest ongoing playoff drought, currently at 14 seasons.
Taking the helm following a disappointing 5-12 season, the duo’s immediate challenges include building a competitive roster that can return the Jets to playoff contention and addressing the future of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers — who may or may not continue his career.
Rodgers, a four-time MVP and fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes, is entering a pivotal year with a contract that includes a non-guaranteed salary.
The Jets must navigate the financial implications of his $35 million option bonus that kicks in before the upcoming regular season while also facing a potentially hefty dead-money charge if they opt to release him.
In addition to Rodgers, the team must also evaluate the future of wide receiver Davante Adams, who is set to earn an annual $35.64 million over the next two seasons.
Adams has indicated that Rodgers’ choices will significantly influence his own future with the team but remains open to potentially returning regardless of the quarterback’s path.
The Jets also face decisions regarding several key free agents, such as linebacker Jamien Sherwood and cornerback D.J. Reed, among others.
Factors to consider in their potential roster extensions include young talents like cornerback Sauce Gardner and running back Breece Hall, who are also up for contract extensions soon.
This appointment marks the conclusion of a long search trip that began in November when Woody Johnson enlisted the assistance of The 33rd Team, an organization founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, focusing on analytics and football consulting to identify potential candidates.
The thorough vetting process included evaluations from seasoned executives like Rick Spielman, who previously held general manager roles in Miami and Minnesota.
Mougey successfully navigated competition from a diverse candidate pool that included familiar names such as Mike Borgonzi and Thomas Dimitroff.
After Borgonzi’s appointment as the general manager of the Tennessee Titans, interest in former Jets interim GM Phil Savage as a possible choice was also highlighted but ultimately led to Mougey’s selection.
