The New York Jets have taken a significant step in their general manager search. The team announced on social media that they have “completed an interview with Thomas Dimitroff for our General Manager vacancy.”
Dimitroff’s Impressive Resume as an NFL Executive
The Jets have kicked off their search this week by focusing on candidates not currently affiliated with an NFL team.
Thomas Dimitroff, 58, brings a wealth of football experience, spanning over three decades. He began his career in 1990, working in scouting roles for the Canadian Football League and the World League of American Football (NFL Europe).
Dimitroff transitioned to the NFL, serving as a scout for four teams from 1993 to 2002. His career accelerated when he became the Director of College Scouting for the New England Patriots, a position he held from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure in New England, Dimitroff earned two Super Bowl rings.
In 2008, Dimitroff was hired as the General Manager of the Atlanta Falcons, a role he held until 2020. His success with the Falcons earned him NFL Executive of the Year honors twice, in 2008 and 2010.
“During his first draft with the Falcons, he selected Boston College QB Matt Ryan with the No. 3 overall pick. From 2008-12, Atlanta posted five consecutive winning seasons, made the playoffs four times, and secured two NFC South division titles.
Later, under new head coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons advanced to the Super Bowl following the 2016 season and made back-to-back postseason appearances in 2016 and 2017,” Jets reporter Eric Allen explained. “Dimitroff also orchestrated a blockbuster trade in 2011, sending five draft picks to the Cleveland Browns to move up and select Alabama WR Julio Jones with the No. 6 pick.
By the time Jones was traded in 2021, the future Hall of Famer held the franchise records for receptions (848) and receiving yards (12,896) while ranking second in touchdown catches (63).”
Dimitroff Brings Experience the Jets May Covet
Unlike head coaches, general managers rarely get a second opportunity to lead an NFL front office. Typically, their success or failure defines their career.
The Jets have experienced their share of struggles with first-time general managers and head coaches. If the organization values proven experience, Dimitroff is an intriguing candidate.
His resume speaks volumes: decades as an NFL scout, over a decade as a successful general manager, and significant achievements in both roles.
Although Dimitroff has been away from an NFL team since 2020, he has remained active in football circles.
“In January 2022, Dimitroff co-founded SumerSports, a football analytics company aimed at delivering ‘best in class quantitative analysis’ to improve player acquisition and roster management,” according to the Jets’ press release.
Dimitroff’s combination of extensive experience, front office success, and forward-thinking analytical involvement makes him a strong candidate for the Jets’ GM role.
