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There have been a few developments over the last few days on the Jets general manager search.
Apparently all four candidates impressed the Jets enough to earn second interviews.
Jets held another round of talks last night - second interviews - with Eagles VP of Personnel Joe Douglas, Seahawks Co-Director of Player Personnel Scott Fitterer, Bears asst Director of Player Personnel Champ Kelly and Saints Dir of Pro Scouting Terry Fontenot, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2019
While Joe Douglas has been the favorite throughout the process, Scott Fitterer of the Seahawks has emerged as a potential spoiler.
From Up to the Minute Live: The #Jets are done with GM interviews. While Joe Douglas of the #Eagles is the presumptive favorite, don’t discount Scott Fitterer of the #Seahawks. He impressed. pic.twitter.com/BRmcmvzGml
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 4, 2019
There’s indeed been some buzz for Fitterer the last few days. We’ll see. https://t.co/Si7F1JDwsN
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 4, 2019
Anybody who has ever followed one of these searches knows that sometimes the initial favorite does not land the job in the end.
The team has been in touch with the candidates to discuss financial parameters according to Ian Rapoport. This conceivably could have been part of the second round interviews.
From Up to the Minute Live: The #Jets are following up with several GM candidates, trying to learn their financial parameters and what hiring each one would entail. More due diligence. pic.twitter.com/BwUjnuQVIl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 5, 2019
This could be a sign the process is near a conclusion. This likely goes beyond the salary of the general manager. To make their final decision, the Jets will likely need to figure out the budget for their front office, which entails salary output for scouts and staff in addition to other expenditures. All candidates would likely have a different budget.
This shouldn’t make a difference in the final decision, and I don’t think it would. But the Jets do need to know this information before they finalize their hire.
Will that hire be Douglas? In spite of the Fitterer buzz, some signs still point to yes.
Every expectation remains that Joe Douglas will be the Jets next GM. Hearing the sides discussing financials over budget for $$ to pay his staff as he reshapes the front office. As long as it doesnt fall apart over that then announcement could come this week
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) June 5, 2019