It took almost three weeks but the search for general manager is finally over, as the New York Jets picked former Seattle Seahawks VP of football administration John Idzik to replace Mike Tannenbaum as GM. This is a somewhat questionable move by the Gang Green, as they selected yet another executive, pretty much a Tannenbaum clone, instead of going for a football personnel guy.
Idzik is most likely a good hire in terms of cleaning up the messy salary cap situations, but has little experience in evaluating the talent. This move could also mean that QB Matt Flynn, a backup in Seattle, might be coming to the Jets next season. Idzik has been with the Seahawks since 2007. Before that he spent three years as the Cardinals’ senior director of football operations. He has worked in the league since 1993, spending 11 years with the Buccaneers.
Idzik, 52, wasn't among the first group of candidates to interview for the job, but he emerged quickly in the second round, meeting twice in less than a week with the Jets officials. Idzik will inherit a team that is $19.4M over the salary cap, has many aging expensive players and several key players headed to free agency. Then, there's also CB Darrelle Revis who once again might hold out for a better contract.
All in all, this is a questionable hire but it was difficult for the Jets to attract any top candidates due to their salary cap mess, quarterback situation and Woody Johnson's commitment to Rex Ryan as the team\'s head coach.