After a lengthy search, the Jets have hired Seahawks VP John Idzik as their new GM. Kirby Lee – USA TODAY SPORTS
It is being reported that the New York Jets‘ search for a general manager to replace the fired Mike Tanenbaum has concluded. The team has hired John Idzik, who was the Seattle Seahawks VP of football administration.
Idzik spent six season with the Seahawks and prior to that, he was with the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As an assistant general manager with the Bucs in 2003, Idzik’s team won Super Bowl XXXVII by defeating the Oakland Raiders. The Seahawks were one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season, led by rookie QB Russell Wilson.
Idzik’s father, John, was an NFL assistant coach for four teams, including the Jets. The elder Idzik was offensive backfield coach for the Baltimore Colts, who won Super Bowl V. The Idziks are one of a very few father-son tandems to be part of a Super Bowl Champion team.
After a disappointing 6-10 season, Jets owner Woody Johnson cleaned house, firing Tanenbaum and practically the entire coaching staff. He did retain head coach Rex Ryan, who many see as a lame duck coach next season if the team fails to show marked improvement.
Idzik will have his hands full with the Jets, who have numerous issues to resolve on the offensive side of the ball. In addition, QB Mark Sanchez is coming off his worst season and is guaranteed $8.25 million in 2013.
With poor personnel and contract decisions over the past few seasons, the Jets will are in a rebuilding mode, a process their long suffering fans are all too familiar with. The Jets have not appeared in or won a Super Bowl since 1969, which is one of the longest team futility streaks in the NFL.
A press conference will be scheduled for Johnson to introduce his new GM to the media.
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