Jets GM Joe Douglas talks new challenges, changing culture

The New York Jets went through an avalanche of turnover at every level this offseason, and new general manager Joe Douglas knows the challenges they’re facing.

After the New York Jets cleaned house from the top down this offseason, it might be easier to list the people returning to Florham Park this fall rather than the new faces.

There have been big changes on both sides of the ball in terms of personnel, but also organizational upheaval, as the Jets replaced their entire coaching staff and front office. Out is head coach Todd Bowles in favor of Adam Gase, and while Joe Douglas has replaced Mike Maccagnan as the team’s general manager.

Those kinds of seismic changes can leave daunting tasks for the coaches, players and decision-makers assuming their new roles, and Douglas knows full well the importance of changing the culture from top to bottom (via team senior reporter Eric Allen):

The challenge for this team is you’ve got a lot of new people in a new environment with a new head coach and a new GM. We have newly added players and probably two of the best players at their respective positions in C.J. Mosley and Le’Veon Bell, so just getting acclimated and getting together and getting on the same page will probably be the biggest challenge that we’ll face in training camp.

I really put emphasis on the people, on the person, on the locker room and on the culture. And I feel like I’ve said it many times since arriving, but you win with people. That means good, high-character people, and not just personal character but football character and guys that love to compete and love to win.

The additions of Mosley and Bell should certainly go a long way toward improving the Jets’ fortunes in 2019 and beyond. Both players are obviously stellar performers, but they also have plenty of experience around playoff teams. The Jets haven’t tasted postseason action in nearly a decade.

Returning talents like second-year quarterback Sam Darnold, Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams, speedy wide receiver Robby Anderson and veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams give the Jets a strong foundation on both sides of the ball. Adding perhaps the best player in the 2019 NFL draft, Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, certainly won’t hurt, either.

Gase will be trying to accomplish what he couldn’t in three years as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach, while Douglas will be getting his first crack at building an NFL winner from the GM position.

It’s a tall task for all involved, but all the pieces are there for the Jets to rebuild themselves back into a playoff contender sooner than later.

Do you think the Jets have what it takes to make a playoff run in 2019? If not, how far are they from postseason contention? Give us your take in the comment section!