Report: Jets request interview with Eagles executive Joe Douglas

The New York Jets have formally reached out to the Philadelphia Eagles to request an interview with vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

This news obviously comes as no surprise considering the Jets’ previous rumored interest in Douglas. Some believe Douglas — who has ties to Jets head coach Adam Gase — is the “favorite” to replace Mike Maccagnan as New York’s new general manager.

It remains to be seen just how interested Douglas is in the Jets job. There’s some thought he could pass on the opportunity due to organizational dysfunction. Then again, GM jobs aren’t exactly easy to come by and the Jets have a potential franchise quarterback in place with Sam Darnold.

Rapoport notes that Douglas isn’t the only candidate interviewing with the Jets. Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly is also in the mix. NFL insider Mike Garafolo says Kelly — who worked with Gase in Denver — shouldn’t be discounted.

The Eagles would prefer not to lose Douglas. They see him as a valued member of their front office. But Douglas might want to step out of Howie Roseman’s shadow in Philadelphia.

It goes without saying that we’ll be continuing to monitor the Jets’ GM search.

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UPDATE: Howard Eskin offers some more information on the situation.

Assuming Douglas’ contract isn’t about to expire, the Eagles can block the Jets from hiring Douglas if he doesn’t get to have final say on personnel decisions. They can’t block the Jets from hiring Douglas if his contract is up or if he does get offered final say. Gase currently wields the power in New York so we’ll see if that changes.