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Vikings assistant general manager George Paton has turned down the Jets’ request to interview for the team’s open general manager job.
#Vikings assistant GM George Paton turned down the #Jets request to interview him, sources tell me and @ChadGraff.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) May 30, 2019
He did the same the two other times the Jets asked to chat.
As Hughes mentioned, Paton turned down similar requests during Jets general manager searches in 2013 and 2015. While he has interviewed for jobs in recent years in San Francisco and Indianapolis, Paton has turned down numerous interview requests and seems to be carefully waiting for a specific type of opportunity if he is to take a general manager job. After this third instance, it seems clear he does not have interest in ever becoming the Jets’ general manager.
Joe Douglas, Champ Kelly, and Scott Fitterer reportedly have interviews scheduled. The Jets have also requested an interview with Terry Fontenot. At this point it is unclear whether Fontenot will accept the invitation.
Some reports have suggested the Jets’ short list would include six candidates so an additional name might come up in the days ahead.