The Jets’ search for a new general manager has come to an end.
The team announced Friday that they have tabbed John Idzik as the replacement for Mike Tannenbaum. Idzik has been with the Seahawks since 2007 and currently holds the title of vice president of football administration. His responsibilities include overseeing the team’s contract negotiations and compliance with the salary cap as well as dealing with all football operations budgets.
That paints Idzik as a cap guy, similar to Tannenbaum, although Idzik has also been involved with player personnel decisions during his time with Seattle. The Jets have said that their next general manager will have final say on those kinds of decisions, but Idzik’s background suggests coach Rex Ryan will also be taking on a big role on that end.
The Jets interviewed at least 10 candidates for the job since parting ways with Tannenbaum in a search organized by Jed Hughes of the Korn/Ferry consulting firm. That will either be seen as a thorough vetting of the available candidates or the latest sign that the Jets lack a cohesive direction. Chances are the view will tilt toward the latter given the paper similarity to Tannenbaum.
Idzik will get an immediate chance to prove he was the right man for the job as the Jets need help all over the roster while they also unravel an ugly cap situation before the start of next season.
