The New York Jets hired Darren Mougey as their new general manager on Saturday.
Mougey, 39, has been with the Denver Broncos’ organization since 2012 and was assistant general manager the past three seasons. He is the NFL’s third youngest GM.
Mougey’s hiring comes in the same week the Jets hired Aaron Glenn as their new head coach. New York just finished a 5-12 season in which they missed the playoffs for the 14th straight season.
“Darren is a trusted NFL executive who has experience working with an impressive collection of football leaders,” Jets chairman Woody Johnson said in a news release. “He is a proven talent evaluator who impressed us with his vision for this team. His partnership with Coach Glenn will revitalize this organization. I am proud of the thorough search we undertook and that it led us to the two best individuals to lead our football team going forward.”
Mougey will face a tough decision right at the outset of his tenure — deciding whether to retain or part ways with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Mougey knows the quarterback position well. He was a promising quarterback recruit as part of San Diego State’s 2004 class, redshirted his first season and backed up Kevin O’Connell — now head coach of the Minnesota Vikings — the next two seasons.
He spent the final two seasons (2007-08) of his college career as a receiver.
Mougey initially interviewed with the Jets on Jan. 11 before returning for more talks on Thursday.
“It is one of the great honors and privileges of my life to serve as the general manager of the New York Jets,” Mougey said in the news release. “I want to thank Mr. Johnson for this responsibility, one I do not take lightly. I could not be more excited to work alongside Coach Glenn to build a championship team that will make Jets fans proud.”
Mougey joined the Broncos as a scouting intern in 2012 and advanced up the organization until landing the assistant GM job.
The Jets interviewed 15 general manager candidates during their search.
–Field Level Media
