In a stunning move, the New York Jets fired general manager Mike Maccagnan on Wednesday. Coach Adam Gase will be the interim general manager while an immediate search begins for a replacement, CEO Christopher Johnson said in a statement.
The Jets also fired vice president of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington.
“Mike helped to execute the strategic vision of the organization during the last four seasons and especially the past few months,” Johnson said in the statement. “However, I came to the decision to make a change after much thought and a careful assessment of what would be in the best long-term interests of the New York Jets.”
| Player | Guaranteed $ |
|---|---|
| C.J. Mosley | $51M |
| Le’Veon Bell | $35M |
| Jamison Crowder | $17M |
| Henry Anderson | $17M |
| — ESPN Stats & Information | |
The shake-up comes amid reports of internal discord in the organization. ESPN reported during the draft that friction had developed between Maccagnan and Gase because of disagreements over personnel during free agency.
Both men denied that a rift had developed in their relationship, but sources said Johnson was so concerned that he began spending more time at the Jets’ facility to monitor the Gase-Maccagnan relationship.
The Jets went 10-6 in their first season under Maccagnan and former coach Todd Bowles in 2015, but the team has struggled through three consecutive losing seasons since. Bowles was fired after posting a 4-12 record last season.
Maccagnan had significant input into the hiring of Gase. That’s why the timing of Wednesday’s move is shocking.
The team also has constructed a promising core of young players, including quarterback Sam Darnold, safety Jamal Adams and defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
The Jets are one of eight teams to draft multiple Pro Bowlers in the first round since 2015 (Adams and Williams), but they also missed on second-round picks Christian Hackenberg (2016) and Devin Smith (2015) under Maccagnan.
Philadelphia Eagles executive Joe Douglas, who has ties to Gase, could be a leading candidate for the GM job.
Before joining the Jets, Maccagnan spent 14 seasons with the Houston Texans.
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