Woody Johnson 12/31/12 Statement

Our 2012 season was a disappointment to all of us.  My goal every year as owner is to build a team that wins consistently.  This year, we failed to achieve that goal.

This morning, I informed Mike Tannenbaum that he will not return for the 2013 season.  Mike devoted 15 years of service to the Jets, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication.  Although he helped guide us to two consecutive AFC Championship games, we are not where we want to be, and a new General Manager will be critical to getting this team back on the right track.

Starting immediately, we will conduct a search for a new General Manager.  I’ve consulted with a number of football executives and I have also engaged the services of Korn/Ferry International, the same search firm that conducted the NFL Commissioner search in 2006.  Our process with Korn/Ferry will be led by Jed Hughes, who heads their sports practice and who previously led the General Manager search for the Seattle Seahawks, among others.  When we have updates on this process, we will provide them to our fans and the media.

Rex Ryan will remain the Head Coach of our football team.  I believe that he has the passion, the talent, and the drive to successfully lead our team.

Like all Jets fans, I am disappointed with this year’s results.  However, I am confident that this change will best position our team for greater success going forward.

I have only one problem with the actions taken by Woody Johnson this morning. That is his strong support of Rex Ryan. I am Ok with him only firing Mike Tannenbaum today but he should have waited for a new GM to make any statements about Rex Ryan. 

Strong GM candidates will want to go to war with their own staff.  Now the new GM is tied to Rex for at least 1 year. I hope this move does not cost the team the best possible GM.