The New York Jets are officially beginning the interview process this week to find their next general manager.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, one of the candidates they plan to interview is ESPN analyst Louis Riddick.
“Riddick has been linked to multiple front office vacancies in recent years and interviewed for the Steelers’ GM job that ultimately went to Omar Khan in May 2022,” Schefter reported. “Riddick, who is calling Monday night’s Falcons-Raiders game for ESPN, is expected to interview in the coming weeks, partially due to his current ESPN obligations. He also interviewed for GM openings in 2020 with the Lions and Texans.”
Riddick Brings a Compelling Resume to the Table
Louis Riddick’s football career began in the NFL in 1991 when he was drafted as the No. 248 overall pick in the 9th round. Over a decade-long career, Riddick played in the NFL, AFL, and the lesser-known WLAF (World League of American Football).
After retiring from playing, he transitioned to scouting, starting with the Washington Redskins in 2001. Riddick spent six years with Washington, initially as a pro scout and later as the director of pro personnel.
In 2008, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where he worked as a scout before being promoted to assistant director of pro personnel and eventually director of pro personnel.
Riddick left the NFL in 2013 and joined ESPN as an analyst, where he has taken on a variety of roles since.
New Updates on the Jets’ Hiring Process
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero confirmed the Jets will ramp up their search process this week.
Among the candidates the Jets are set to interview is former Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson, Pelissero revealed.
“This is just the start of what’s expected to be a thorough search to replace Joe Douglas,” Pelissero explained. “While the Jets are conducting initial GM interviews first, they’re not prioritizing the GM hire over the head coach. NFL rules restrict interviews with coaches or currently employed executives until after the regular season, although there are experienced execs not under contract who can be interviewed sooner.”
Hiring a general manager first is often more straightforward than hiring a head coach due to stricter rules governing interview processes, such as Zoom versus in-person meetings and their timing.
The Jets’ willingness to keep an open mind about the process is a positive sign. It increases their chances of landing strong candidates rather than being limited by a rigid approach.
A crucial factor will be ensuring alignment between the general manager and head coach. Ideally, the two hires should complement one another and even have a prior relationship.
This was a significant issue in 2015 when the Jets hired Todd Bowles as head coach and Mike Maccagnan as general manager. The two did not know each other, leading to an “arranged marriage” that ultimately failed.
The Jets must learn from past mistakes to avoid repeating them as they build their leadership team for the future.
