The Jets took the first step in their searches for a general manager and head coach. Chairman Woody Johnson will lead the process and has hired The 33rd Team in a support role to help identify and vet candidates in addition to coordinate interviews.
With the addition of The 33rd Team, the Jets will have access to the group's unique data analysis including trends and highlights in the hiring of football leadership. Former NFL front office executives Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman will lead the project for the NFL technology and media company.
Tannenbaum, who worked in Jets' front office from 1997-2012, was selected as the team's general manager/senior vice president of football operations in 2006. He helped lead the Jets to four winning seasons during his tenure including back-to-back trips to the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and '10. After completing his law degree at Tulane, Tannenbaum was hired by Bill Parcells as the Green & White's director of players contracts in 1997. He was promoted to director of pro personnel/assistant general manager in 2001 before taking on GM duties. Tannenbaum also served as the executive vice president of football operations for the Dolphins and later joined ESPN as a front office insider.
Last January, Spielman worked with the Washington Commanders in searches that led to the hiring of general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. Spielman was the Vikings vice of player personnel from 2006-11 and then Minnesota's GM from 2012-21. Before overseeing 15 drafts with the Vikings, Spielman played linebacker at Southern Illinois from 1983-86 and began his NFL career as a scout with the Detroit Lions in 1990.
Jeff Ulbrich and Phil Savage are serving as the team's interim head coach and general manager, respectively.
