New York Jets Fire GM Joe Douglas Amid Disastrous Season

Just six weeks after firing head coach Robert Saleh, owner Woody Johnson decided it was time for a complete overhaul, dismissing Douglas after a lackluster 3-8 start to a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations. For Jets fans, this is another chapter in a long, frustrating story, and for bettors, it means more instability for a franchise that can’t seem to get out of its own way.

Another Swing, Another Miss

Joe Douglas, who was hired in 2019, was supposed to be the architect of a competitive team built around a young core of talent. Instead, his tenure ends with a dismal 30-64 record and no winning seasons. His biggest move—trading for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers—had the entire league buzzing, but it all unraveled just four snaps into the season when Rodgers tore his Achilles. Without him, the Jets have struggled to piece together any semblance of an offense, and they’re staring down the barrel of their 14th consecutive season without a playoff berth.

Douglas was also behind the decision to trade former franchise quarterback Sam Darnold and select Zach Wilson second overall in 2021. Wilson has struggled mightily, and with each disappointing performance, the spotlight grew hotter on Douglas’ decision-making. While he did hit on players like Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall, his inability to construct a reliable offensive line and his inconsistent moves at the quarterback position ultimately sealed his fate.

Phil Savage Steps In

Phil Savage, a veteran executive who has been with the Jets as a senior advisor since 2019, will take over as the interim GM for the remainder of the season. Savage brings experience from his time as GM of the Cleveland Browns and front-office roles with the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles. He’s also familiar with the scouting side of football, having been the executive director of the Senior Bowl for six years. But let’s be honest—Savage’s role is to steer the ship through what’s sure to be a rocky end to the season.

What’s Next for the Jets?

The Jets are entering their bye week in full crisis mode. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich is just 1-5 since taking over for Saleh, and the offense remains a mess, even with a healthy roster. Johnson has already begun the search for a new GM, and it’s likely that whoever takes the reins will also be tasked with finding yet another head coach. The question remains whether Aaron Rodgers will return for the 2025 season—he turns 41 in December, and after an injury-riddled stint in New York, his future is far from certain.

But How Does this Affect Me, the Bettor? 

For bettors like you, the Jets have been a team to fade all season. They’ve now fired both their head coach and general manager, and the instability in the front office is likely to trickle down to on-field performance. The Jets are 3-8 ATS (against the spread) this season, and their recent string of blown leads—including a 28-27 heartbreaker to the Colts—underscores their inability to finish games. Until there’s clarity on the direction of this franchise, betting on the Jets remains a risky proposition.

From a futures betting perspective, the Jets’ odds for any postseason success are effectively off the board. The ongoing front-office drama, combined with the uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers’ return, makes it hard to gauge what kind of team the Jets will be in 2025. While players like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall provide some optimism for individual performance props, it’s tough to recommend backing a team that has hit rock bottom.

Savvy bettors will want to monitor the Jets’ GM search and see if any marquee candidates are brought in to stabilize the franchise. A credible hire could have an immediate impact on the futures market, particularly regarding draft picks or free agency. But for now, the Jets are once again in the midst of an all-too-familiar rebuild—one that bettors would be wise to watch from the sidelines.