Entering the 2025 offseason, the New York Jets had major roles to fill. Primarily, selecting the long-term successors to Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas as head coach & general manager. Initially, they chose their head coach Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, and the Jets 12th overall pick in the 1994 draft Aaron Glenn. With the arrival of Glenn as head coach, the general manager position was left unfilled. Today, the Jets made their selection at GM. With over a decade’s worth of experience working with the Denver Broncos, new Jets GM Darren Mougey is ready for the job.
Jets Make Historic Move Hiring New GM
After a disappointing season, the New York Jets were in the midst of an identity crisis. After letting go of coach Saleh, defensive coordinator turned interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich was overmatched. With Ulbrich accepting the defensive coordinator job with the Atlanta Falcons, New York brought back a familiar face in longtime cornerback Aaron Glenn to be the team’s next head coach. Glenn’s transition from player to coach has earned wide praise across the league and an inspired choice by the fanbase. However, Glenn can’t help the Jets alone and needs a quality general manager to be paired with.
As a result, they chose Broncos assistant general manager Darren Mougey to be the next general manager. He will be the second youngest hire at the position since Mike Tannenbaum, who was 36 when hired. At 39 years old, Mougey is the third youngest general manager in the league. Only Andrew Berry (37 years old) of the Browns and Ryan Poles (five months younger) of the Bears are the only GMs under 40. Before accepting the position, Mougey worked in the Broncos organization for 13 seasons. During his time, Mougey was a member of two Super Bowl appearances, including the Broncos third championship in 2015.
Jets hiring Darren Mougey as their general manager.
(via @RapSheet + @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/NTu5Op9bxT— NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2025
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New General Manager Darren Mougey, fmr. Broncos asst. GM
A graduate of San Diego State University, Mougey played for the Aztecs. Initially succeeding current Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, Mougey moved to wide receiver his sophomore year. After going undrafted and failing to make a regular-season roster with both the Falcons and Cardinals, Mougey transitioned to scouting. In 2012, he began his tenure with the Denver Broncos as a scouting intern.
Over the years, Mougey made waves within the organization. Despite the Broncos changing six head coaches since his arrival, Mougey remained with the front office. Widely regarded as an expert communicator, his evaluation abilities made him a trusted source to general manager George Paton. Upon Paton’s arrival in 2021, Mougey was promoted from director of college scouting to director of player personnel. Since his promotion, the Broncos have found a bevy of starting talent over the years. Among Denver’s best selections include cornerback Patrick Surtain, guard Quinn Meinerz, linebacker Nick Bonito, wide receiver Marvin Mims, and quarterback Bo Nix. Due to his resume of talent evaluation, the Broncos were able to return to the playoffs this year despite leading the NFL in dead cap at over $86 million; thus ending an eight-year playoff drought.
Trusting the duo of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey
Darren Mougey will be in for a major test in his first season in New York. The soon-to-be 40-year-old will have to evaluate every aspect of the roster, including whether or not to retain 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While many will call for Rodgers to return, it would be imperative to primarily focus on a long-term option at quarterback. In addition, New York could lose valuable starters this offseason with tight end Tyler Conklin, right tackle Morgan Moses, and cornerback DJ Reed to free agency. Thankfully, the duo of Glenn and Mougey are prepared.
Despite questions around the roster, both Glenn and Mougey’s background in scouting creates a great opportunity. Both Glenn and Mougey are highly regarded by Broncos head coach Sean Payton. He worked with both men during his career between the New Orleans Saints and Denver. Their shared experience should allow them to form a plan for each draft going forward. This will be beneficial should the team deal with the dead cap ramifications moving on from Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams.
In addition, the recent success of the Lions and Broncos draft classes these past seasons should be a strong indicator New York will get younger. Providing core pieces like Garrett Wilson, Quinnen & Quincy Williams, Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall, and Olu Fashanu with more young role players will be huge. After the injuries to the Lions defense this year, Aaron Glenn knows how to adapt. With luck, the combined efforts of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey can set the Jets up to succeed long-term in this rebuild.
Main Photo: [Shaun Brooks] – USA Today Sports
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