Jets shake up GM search with bold interviews of top execs Sullivan and Gaine
The New York Jets are intensifying their search for a new general manager, as they interviewed two more candidates on Tuesday: Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Green Bay Packers’ vice president of player personnel, and Brian Gaine, the Miami Dolphins’ assistant general manager. With these recent interviews, the Jets have now spoken to 15 candidates as they look to replace Joe Douglas, who was fired in November.
A Broad Search for a New GM
Sullivan and Gaine join an impressive list of individuals who have already been considered for the role. Other candidates include Kansas City assistant GM Mike Borgonzi, Cincinnati executive Trey Brown, former Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff, Los Angeles Rams senior personnel executive Ray Farmer, Tampa Bay assistant GM Mike Greenberg, Minnesota senior vice president of player personnel Ryan Grigson, Philadelphia assistant GM Alec Halaby, and Denver assistant GM Darren Mougey. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, Washington assistant GM Lance Newmark, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, former Tennessee GM Jon Robinson, and Detroit executive Chris Spielman have also been interviewed.
The Jets are making a concerted effort to explore every option available in their pursuit of a new general manager. The breadth of their search reflects the franchise’s desire to find the perfect candidate to help lead the team into the future.
Jon-Eric Sullivan: A Long-Time Packers Executive
Sullivan, currently in his third season as the vice president of player personnel for the Green Bay Packers, has a wealth of experience in the NFL. He has been with the Packers for 21 years, starting as a college scout and working his way up through the organization. In 2022, he was promoted to his current role, overseeing player personnel decisions for the team.
Before interviewing with the Jets, Sullivan also spoke with the Tennessee Titans for their GM vacancy. His impressive track record in Green Bay has also caught the attention of the Las Vegas Raiders, who have requested an interview with him.
Sullivan’s deep-rooted connection to football runs in the family. His father, Jerry Sullivan, was a longtime NFL and college assistant coach, retiring in 2021 after decades of coaching experience.
Brian Gaine: A Veteran with GM Experience
Gaine brings a wealth of experience in personnel roles, including a previous stint as a general manager. Currently serving as the assistant GM for the Buffalo Bills, Gaine has played a pivotal role in building the team’s roster. He joined the Bills in 2022 after a return to the organization, having previously served as the team’s vice president of player personnel in 2017.
Before his return to Buffalo, Gaine was the GM of the Houston Texans in 2018, a role that provided him with firsthand experience in overseeing all aspects of team building and roster management. He has also worked in various roles with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins, giving him a broad understanding of how different organizations approach team development.
Gaine’s connection to the Jets goes back to his early career. He was a scout for the team for six seasons, starting in 1999. His experience with the Jets, along with his time in Buffalo and Houston, makes him a seasoned candidate for the GM role in New York.
A Team in Transition
As the Jets continue their search for a new GM, the organization is also searching for a head coach. Nine candidates have already interviewed for the head coaching position, signaling the team’s commitment to finding the right leader at both the GM and coaching levels.
With a wealth of talent already on the roster and a strong foundation in place, the new GM will have an exciting challenge ahead of them. The Jets are looking for someone who can help turn the team into a consistent contender, and the hiring of a new general manager is a crucial step in that process.
The New York Jets are conducting a wide-ranging and meticulous search to fill their general manager vacancy. The interviews with Jon-Eric Sullivan and Brian Gaine are just the latest steps in a comprehensive process that has already included a diverse group of candidates. The Jets are taking their time to ensure they find the right individual to guide the team’s future, and this search is far from over. As they continue to evaluate the options, Jets fans will be eagerly awaiting the decision that could help shape the team’s success for years to come.
