Joe Douglas is the biggest winner of NY Jets' decision to fire Robert Saleh

The NY Jets' organization is in a bit of disarray following the team's decision to part ways with head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday. The remainder of the regime has been left to pick up the scraps, and that includes general manager Joe Douglas.

The Jets regime under Douglas and Saleh was given ample time to right the ship. Saleh was coaching his fourth year with the Jets while Douglas is in the midst of his sixth season with the organization. The criticisms about poor results have been justified.

While the timing of Saleh's departure may have caught many by surprise, it's difficult to justify a 19-36 record as a head coach. His seat was understandably red hot. But what about Douglas? Now that Saleh is gone, how secure is Douglas's job?

Reading between the lines of owner Woody Johnson's comments on Tuesday, it sure sounds like Douglas is safe. There's every reason to believe he could be kept around past this season, even if the Jets fall short of expectations.

It sure sounds like the NY Jets plan to keep Joe Douglas

Johnson spoke to reporters on Tuesday following Saleh's firing, and offered an intriguing reason for his decision. Johnson believes Saleh was unable to maximize a roster he believes is the most talented the Jets have had during his time with the franchise.

In fact, Johnson referred to the current Jets roster as "one of the most talented teams that has ever been assembled by the New York Jets." That's a bold claim, one that directly reflects the work Douglas has done over the years.

For as much criticism as Douglas has received (some of which is absolutely deserved), there's no denying that he's managed to construct one of the better rosters in the NFL. It took some time to get here, but the Jets should be one of the best teams in the league, at least on paper.

Johnson believes the team's shortcomings fall much more on the coaching staff than the front office. That bodes well for Douglas's chances of sticking around for the foreseeable future.

Douglas is entering the final year of the six-year contract he initially signed with the team back in 2019. He's a rare example of a general manager playing out the final year of his contract before an extension.

The Jets wouldn't have to fire Douglas if they didn't want to retain him at the end of the season. They could simply just let his contract expire. But if Johnson's comments are any indication, that doesn't seem likely.

Even if the Jets fall short of expectations and fail to reach the playoffs for a 14th consecutive season, it's possible Johnson will decide to keep Douglas and place the blame on the coaching staff.

The Jets might seem like a sinking ship to some, but it doesn't seem like Joe Douglas is going down with said ship. He's being asked to ride out the storm and do everything he can to right the course.

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