Jets likely to fire GM John Idzik

ByChris Mortensen ESPN logo
Sunday, December 28, 2014

John Idzik is expected to be fired by the New York Jets after two years as the team's general manager but Rex Ryan's fate as coach possibly could be decided by the GM who replaces Idzik, according to league sources.

Jets owner Woody Johnson could not be reached for comment and a team official says that Johnson has not internally revealed any decisions he is prepared to make.

Ryan cleaned out his desk this week at the Jets headquarters but sources say he has not been told he is out as the team's coach, despite his belief he is done.

While Johnson ultimately could make that decision, one source said the owner remains fond of Ryan and would prefer that Idzik's replacement make the call on the coach. The source did speculate that Ryan could try to persuade Johnson not to leave him in a state of indecision.

Aside from Idzik's imminent ouster, Johnson also is considering other changes in the personnel department, sources said.

To help, former Packers general manager Ron Wolf is joining the Jets as a consultant in the likely event that the team is searching for a new coach and/or GM, a league source said. Johnson had already lined up former Redskins and Texans GM Charley Casserly as a consultant.

Casserly reached out to Wolf last week. Both men are highly respected in NFL circles. Wolf actually worked as the Jets' personnel director in 1990-91 under GM Dick Steinberg. Wolf is best known for rebuilding the Packers and winning a Super Bowl in Green Bay.

The Jets beat the Miami Dolphins 37-24 in what could end up being Ryan's finale as coach. Embattled quarterback Geno Smith had his best game in a rocky season, throwing for a career-high 358 yards and three touchdowns as the Jets finished with a 4-12 record.

ESPN.com's Rich Cimini contributed to this report.

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