Joe Douglas isn’t dwelling on his abrupt dismissal as general manager of the New York Jets. Instead, he’s embracing his newfound freedom with a fishing trip. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Douglas reportedly felt a sense of “relief” after being fired on Tuesday, signaling a dramatic shift in his outlook after years of turbulence with the team.
Hours after being let go, Douglas was seen fishing on the Jersey Shore, a scene far removed from the high-pressure environment of NFL management. “It’s the happiest he’s sounded in a long time,” shared an NFL executive close to Douglas, highlighting the emotional toll his role had taken.
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Douglas spent over five years as the Jets’ GM, a tenure marked by disappointment and unmet expectations. Despite coming into the 2024 season with Super Bowl aspirations, the team currently sits at 3-8, tied for the worst record in the AFC East alongside the New England Patriots.
Reactions from around the league
The timing of Douglas‘ firing surprised many, including former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who had anticipated the GM would finish the season. Saleh, who was dismissed earlier in October, reportedly reacted with shock and emotion upon hearing the news.
Even Jets wide receiver Davante Adams weighed in on the development during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s Up & Adams. “It’s surprising but it’s not,” Adams explained. “When games aren’t being won and things don’t look the way they were intended to look, something’s gotta change.”
A record of a struggles
Since Douglas took over as GM in 2019, the Jets posted a 30-64 record, tying with the Jaguars for the second-worst performance in the NFL during that span. Despite his efforts to rebuild the team, injuries, coaching changes, and roster challenges kept the Jets from finding consistent success.
Now, the organization faces another turning point as they prepare for a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks and former Jets quarterback Geno Smith next Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Moving forward
For Douglas, the firing appears to have offered more than just relief-it provided a chance to reset and reflect on his next steps. While the Jets continue to navigate their tumultuous season, Douglas has already cast his line into calmer waters.
