There was a feeling around the New York Jets organization that they were prepared to hire their head coach and general manager at the same time on Tuesday. At some point, things changed.
On Wednesday, the Jets hired Glenn, and on Thursday, they interviewed two different GM candidates.
Saturday, they made their decision: Darren Mougey will be the Jets’ next general manager, replacing Joe Douglas, who was fired late in the 2024 season after failing to make the playoffs over a six-year tenure. Mougey got the role over finalists Lance Newmark and Trey Brown. Newmark once seemed the favorite for the role when he interviewed on Tuesday, the same day as Glenn.
Instead, it’s Mougey, who will be tasked with ending the NFL’s longest active postseason drought — 14 years.
Mougey joins the Jets after a long stint in the Denver Broncos organization in various roles. He started as a scouting intern in 2012, worked his way up through the scouting department and had stints as the assistant director of college scouting and director of player personnel before getting promoted to assistant general manager in 2022 when George Paton was hired as general manager. Now, he’s getting his shot as the lead decision-maker.
While Mougey and Glenn have never worked together, both have a close relationship with Broncos coach Sean Payton, which likely played a factor. Glenn considers Payton a mentor after twice being a player on teams Payton coached — the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints — and then from 2016 to 2020 when Glenn served as the defensive backs coach on Payton’s Saints staff.
Mougey collaborated closely with Payton over the past two years in Denver, earning praise from league sources for his “presence” — and not just due to his 6-foot-4 frame and previous role as a wide receiver. He is recognized for his talent in relationship-building, particularly with ownership, which is vital in a Jets organization led by Woody Johnson, and for expanding the staff. Mougey brings experience in both professional and college scouting, progressing through the ranks during his lengthy career in Denver. According to one team source, his personality is likened to that of Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was his roommate and college teammate at San Diego State.
Crucially, Mougey has experienced both championship success and team struggles; he was part of the Broncos organization that won a Super Bowl in 2015, but also witnessed the team’s nine-year playoff drought following that victory. Recently, he saw the organization rebound from difficult times after navigating cap issues stemming from Russell Wilson’s departure, culminating in a playoff appearance in 2024 with rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the charge.
“I didn’t know Darren or many of the staff when I joined, but he quickly distinguished himself,” Paton stated in a 2022 interview with DenverBroncos.com. “His organizational skills, attention to detail, and people management abilities were impressive. He clearly excelled at draft evaluations on the college side; I considered him one of the best evaluators I’ve encountered. Although I thought we had a strong staff, he certainly stood out.”
“I knew he would rise quickly. After the draft, I promoted him to director of player personnel,” Paton added. “As a first-time GM, I delegated considerable responsibility to him, and he took charge of both the pro and college scouting departments.”
Mougey faces a significant challenge in New York, taking over a roster with enough talent to be competitive immediately, despite needing to address some gaps through free agency and the NFL Draft. The Jets boast a strong group of young offensive players, including wide receiver Garrett Wilson, running back Breece Hall, and a solid offensive line, as well as defensive stars like cornerback Sauce Gardner, linebacker Quincy Williams, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and edge rushers Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald.
He must decide what to do with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who may not be inclined to play under a new regime. If the Jets choose to part ways with Rodgers, it will be Mougey’s responsibility to identify a viable quarterback option this offseason. Tyrod Taylor is under contract, but he’s not a long-term answer, and the Jets’ seventh overall pick may not place them in the running for top quarterback prospects. Additionally, several key players are set to enter free agency, including cornerback D.J. Reed, tight end Tyler Conklin, tackle Morgan Moses, defensive end Haason Reddick, and linebacker Jamien Sherwood. Deciding whether to retain wide receiver Davante Adams will also factor into the decision regarding Rodgers.
Ultimately, while this roster has the potential to compete immediately, much will depend on Mougey’s choices at quarterback and his ability to address other needs. The more pressing objective will be to create a sustainable program for future success.
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