Sports
Jets Interview Five More GM Candidates, Including Ryan Grigson and Chris Spielman
The New York Jets interviewed five more candidates for their general manager vacancy on Saturday, including Minnesota Vikings senior vice president of player personnel Ryan Grigson and Detroit Lions executive Chris Spielman. The team also met with Denver Broncos assistant GM Darren Mougey, Cincinnati Bengals executive Trey Brown, and Washington Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark as part of their extensive search to replace Joe Douglas, who was fired in November.
The Jets have now interviewed 13 known candidates for the GM position. Other notable candidates include Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM Mike Greenberg, Kansas City Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi, and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. The team is also conducting a parallel search for a new head coach, with interviews completed for several high-profile candidates, including Steve Spagnuolo, Mike Vrabel, and Rex Ryan.
Ryan Grigson, 52, has been instrumental in building the Vikings’ roster, which finished 13-4 this season and made the playoffs. A former NFL tight end and offensive lineman, Grigson previously served as the Indianapolis Colts‘ general manager for five years, where he drafted quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in 2012. Under his leadership, the Colts went 49-31 and made three playoff appearances.
Chris Spielman, 59, a former NFL linebacker and the Lions’ all-time leading tackler, has been a key figure in Detroit’s front office since 2021. He has worked closely with GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell to assemble a Lions team that set a franchise record with 15 wins this season and secured the NFC’s top seed. Spielman’s brother, Rick Spielman, a former Dolphins and Vikings GM, is assisting the Jets in their search as part of The 33rd Team, a consulting group hired by Jets owner Woody Johnson.
Darren Mougey, who has been with the Broncos since 2012, was promoted to assistant GM in 2021. Trey Brown, a senior personnel executive for the Bengals, has also worked with the Patriots and Eagles, while Lance Newmark, in his first year as Washington’s assistant GM, brings over two decades of experience from his time with the Lions.
The Jets’ dual search for a GM and head coach is being closely watched as the team aims to rebuild after a disappointing season. The involvement of The 33rd Team, led by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, underscores the organization’s commitment to a thorough and strategic hiring process.