**Jets Seek Guidance from Former GM Tannenbaum's Firm for Leadership Overhaul**

In a strategic move to reshape their future, the New York Jets have turned to a familiar face by hiring The 33rd Team, an NFL think tank founded by their former general manager Mike Tannenbaum. This firm will assist the organization in identifying, vetting, and coordinating candidates for their open general manager and head coaching positions. The Jets are embarking on this new direction following the midseason firings of Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh.

Jets owner Woody Johnson, who has chosen to guide the search efforts himself, will be working closely with experts from The 33rd Team. Tannenbaum, along with former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, will lead the consultation. Spielman notably played a pivotal advisory role in the Washington Commanders’ successful search for a GM and head coach last year.

The assistance from The 33rd Team will include providing insights into the best hiring practices, data analysis, and prevailing trends over the past five years. Tannenbaum’s deep connection to the Jets organization and his tenure as GM from 2006 to 2012 render him an invaluable asset in this search. He notably built the last Jets teams to reach the playoffs and is credited with drafting key players such as Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, and David Harris.

Since Tannenbaum’s departure in 2012, the Jets have cycled through three general managers—John Idzik, Mike Maccagnan, and Joe Douglas—none of whom succeeded in rebuilding a playoff-worthy team. With his return, albeit in a different capacity, Tannenbaum brings intimate knowledge of the New York market and an understanding of Johnson's ownership preferences, crucial for selecting candidates who can thrive under these specific conditions.

While Tannenbaum's past hires, including Eric Mangini and Rex Ryan, draw attention, there has been no indication that the Jets are aiming to bring Ryan back into the head coaching role despite his interest. The team is focused on a comprehensive revamp, especially after the in-season dismissals—the first such instance in Johnson’s 25-year tenure as owner. Saleh was released after a Week 5 loss left the Jets at 2-3, and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich has unfortunately seen only one win since stepping in, leading to a 3-8 record.

As the Jets prepare for major changes, the hiring of The 33rd Team is their initial step. While they can interview candidates currently not employed by NFL teams right away, they will have to wait until the season ends to approach those working for other franchises. This collaboration signals a pivotal chapter in the Jets’ quest for a return to competitiveness.