New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum is out but Rex Ryan is safe. Woody Johnson, the 6-10 team's owner, made the announcement this morning in a statement in which he admitted what anybody with eyes already knew: that the "2012 season was a disappointment to all of us. My goal every year as owner is to build a team that wins consistently. This year, we failed to achieve that goal."
In his New Year's Eve statement, Johnson announced that after 15 years of "devoted" service Tannenbaum will not be returning for the 2013 season. Tannenbaum got the news this morning. "Although he helped guide us to two consecutive AFC Championship Games, we are not where we want to be, and a new General Manager will be critical to getting this team back on the right track."
Tannenbaum, who approved this year's troubled Tim Tebow trade (he also signed Darrelle Revis), had two years left on his contract and the hunt for a new GM is already on.
Meanwhile, Rex Ryan remains in the picture. "I believe that he has the passion, the talent, and the drive to successfully lead our team," Johnson said. "Like all Jets fans, I am disappointed with this year’s results. However, I am confident that this change will best position our team for greater success going forward."
Expect more changes as the team tries to recover from a second year without making the playoffs. Ryan has his usual pre-scheduled 4:45 p.m. press conference this afternoon.
