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Ever since Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas was hired by Philadelphia back in 2016, there’s been thought he’ll one day leave the organization for a “real” general manager job. Douglas will never have final say with the Eagles as long as executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman is in control.
As recently as last offseason, other NFL teams showed interest in hiring Douglas. The Texans tried to interview him but the Eagles were allowed to block it since their season was still going on at the time.
Douglas hasn’t been connected to any potential NFL GM vacancies this offseason. That is, until now:
If the Jets do have some sort of change in their front office, the name that has been circulating in GM circles for weeks as a possible addition there is Eagles exec Joe Douglas. Seen as a top GM candidate. Has ties to Adam Gase
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 26, 2019
The Jets currently have Mike Maccagnan installed as their GM but he’s reportedly on the hot seat. New York is expected to make front office changes following the 2019 NFL Draft.
If Maccagnan is fired, Douglas could end up being his replacement. As La Canfora notes, Douglas does share a relationship with Jets head coach Adam Gase.
Had Adam Gase stayed in Miami, there were rumblings that Joe Douglas would’ve came to Miami.
— Matthew Cannata (@CannataPFN) April 26, 2019
Douglas and Gase have a tremendous relationship. https://t.co/o21e2eqpEG
To further reinforce Douglas and Gase relationship, Douglas spent the 2015 season as the director of college scouting for the Chicago Bears so they were together there.
— Matthew Cannata (@CannataPFN) December 26, 2018
Losing Douglas — a highly respected executive by all accounts — wouldn’t be ideal for the Eagles’ front office. The team has reached unprecedented success (see: Super Bowl win) during his short Philly tenure.
But this is a departure the Eagle are seemingly prepared for. Speaking at the NFL league meetings in March, team owner Jeffrey Lurie discussed the possibility of losing key front office members. Perhaps that was some foreshadowing.
The Eagles made a significant addition to their front office earlier this offseason by hiring former Browns vice president of player personnel Andrew Barry. His new title with Philadelphia is “vice president of football operations.” It remains to be seen if Berry would be a direct replacement if Douglas leaves for New York.
Needless to say, the Jets’ front office situation will be one to watch moving forward.