Report: Jaguars Expected To Hire Ex-Jets GM Idzik As A Consultant
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- In the aftermath of the Jets' disastrous 4-12 season that resulted in his firing, former general manager John Idzik disappeared from public view.
But now it looks like he's resurfaced, albeit 1,000 or so miles away.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were expected to hire Idzik as a consultant, ESPN reported Wednesday.
Idzik struggled through a tumultuous two seasons with the Jets. After his team of mostly young players overachieved with an 8-8 record in 2013, expectations were high heading into last offseason. However, Idzik's extremely conservative approach to free agency and relative inexperience as a talent evaluator played big roles in the Jets regressing massively in 2014.
Things got so bad during the season that fans took it upon themselves to embarrass Idzik. A website called FireJohnIdzik.com gained national attention after claiming responsibility for a plane pulling a banner over the team's practice facility, the purchase of billboard space and a "penalty flag" giveaway at a game, in each case calling for Idzik's firing.
As part of the respected front office brain trust in Seattle, Idzik was hired by the Jets to replace Mike Tannenbaum following their 6-10 season in 2012. He was initially touted as a bit of a savior due to his due diligence in sticking to a rebuilding plan. However, during his second season it became apparent that he wasn't going to spend a lot of money, despite the fact that the Jets were around $20 million under the salary cap when the regular season started.
With holes all over on both sides of the ball, the Jets struggled to score points and their usual rock-solid defense was often taken to school. Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan paid for it with their jobs the day after the regular season ended.
Ryan went on to sign a five-year contract as the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
