Douglas stressed the importance of communication and transparency between the front office and coachesJETS
The Jets officially introduced Joe Douglas as their new GM yesterday, and during his opening press conference, the "word of the day was collaboration, which was said repeatedly as the organization hopes to find harmony with this hire," according to Brian Costello of the N.Y. POST. Jets coach Adam Gase and Douglas worked together with the Bears in '15, and that prior relationship was "critical" to Douglas being hired. The Jets now "hope they can have a strong relationship between the front office and coaching staff, something that has not always existed over the past decade" (N.Y. POST, 6/12). On Long Island, Al Iannazzone notes Douglas, who got a six-year deal, talked yesterday about the "influences former Ravens executive Ozzie Newsome and Eagles GM Howie Roseman had on him, and the importance of collaboration, communication and transparency." Douglas said, "Everybody’s got to be on the same page. Everybody has to know what the vision is. Everybody has to be on the same bus and know where we’re going" (NEWSDAY, 6/12).
CHANGE OF PACE: In N.Y., Manish Mehta writes Douglas is a "terrific choice" because he has "his sh-- together." Douglas’ "pedigree, football acumen, temperament and leadership shouldn’t be questioned." By every "objective measure, he’s ready to climb into the big chair." The larger question is whether Douglas is "ready to handle his highly intelligent -- yet complicated -- coach." There are still "fair concerns about the franchise’s infrastructure," highlighted by Jets Chair & CEO Christopher Johnson "learning on the job." But there is "promise in the Douglas-Gase relationship." Douglas was "exactly right that 'communication and transparency' are at the root of it all." If the two men "feed off each other, the Jets might have a promising present and future" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/12). In New Jersey, Andy Vasquez notes Douglas yesterday "showed that he’s more than just an impressive résumé." He "laid out a clear vision for the Jets’ future, and went into detail about how he plans to lead them there." Douglas "undoubtedly made the most of his first impression" (Bergen RECORD, 6/12).
LOOKING AT THE FUTURE: The RECORD's Vasquez notes depending on the results of the '20 presidential election, Jets Owner Woody Johnson could be returning to the team in "less than two years, meaning a reduced role for the man who hired Douglas." However, Douglas said that he has "no issue with the Jets' unconventional ownership situation," in which Woody Johnson serves as an ambassador to the U.K. Douglas added, "I can promise you that I wouldn’t [be] standing here if I didn’t have a comfort level with where this franchise was from a leadership position. And I can’t tell you how great it was getting to know Christopher through this process" (Bergen RECORD, 6/12).
