The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh after going 2-3 this season. Six weeks later, with no improvement in the results, they let go of general manager Joe Douglas as well.
Now, the franchise is looking to fill those positions for the long term, and they have partnered with a new-age company to help with their task. However, “The 33rd Team” had one last thing on its plate, and they got rid of it fast.
Jets’ New Partnership Starts on Rocky Road
Woody Johnson has hired The 33rd Team in a consultancy capacity. The self-described football think tank is headed by a familiar face to Johnson: Mike Tannenbaum. Tannenbaum has been involved within the Jets fold since 1997 and even served as GM from 2006 to 2012.
However, The 33rd Team released an article last week titled “5 General Manager Candidates for New York Jets After Firing Joe Douglas.” Someone pointed this out on X (previously Twitter) after their partnership with the franchise was announced.
They instantly took down the article and replied, “This wasn’t an official list. Unfortunate timing, but something we had written before the partnership and search began. We’ve taken it down to avoid further confusion.”
This wasn't an official list.
Unfortunate timing, but something we had written before the partnership and search began.
We've taken it down to avoid further confusion.
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 25, 2024
The 33rd Team boasts of having a team of NFL experts to provide expertise in their consultancy business. Apart from Tannenbaum, its other co-founder is former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman.
Aaron Rodgers’ Medical Issues Are a Problem for the Jets
The Jets have little to no hope left of making the playoffs. It’s unclear whether Aaron Rodgers will be a part of New York’s rebuild next year, but per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the quarterback isn’t making it easy for the franchise.
“One source explained that Rodgers has resisted getting scans done, not wanting to reveal the severity of his injuries out of fear of having to come off the field,” Rapoport revealed on NFL Network. “He has insisted that he keeps playing.”
However, during a recent press conference, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich refuted claims of medical issues and a potential benching. The HC said that there has been no discussion about sitting or shutting down Rodgers and that the veteran is “absolutely” the QB. He added that Rodgers is the healthiest he has been and is “better off today” than he was in the past month.
Jeff Ulbrich says there has been no discussion about sitting/shutting down Aaron Rodgers. He says AR is "absolutely" the QB.
Adds that Rodgers is feeling "better off today" than he has felt in the past month.
Says any reports of AR declining medical scans are news to him. #Jets
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) November 25, 2024
The Jets will face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13. Jeff Ulbrich and Phil Savage will continue to act as interim head coach and general manager, respectively.