Jets interview former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff for vacant position

The Jets’ search for a replacement for fired general manager Joe Douglas began Monday with an interview with a familiar face.

Former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff met with the Jets regarding their vacant GM job, the team announced.

Dimitroff spent 12 years as GM in Atlanta and spent his first pick with the Falcons on Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan.

With Dimitroff at the helm, Atlanta compiled a 113-95 record, reached the playoffs six times, won the NFC in 2016 and, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, watched Ryan win the NFL MVP during its magical run to the Super Bowl. achieved award. That campaign infamously ended with Atlanta blowing a 28-3 lead over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI and Shanahan leaving the club after their loss to become coach of the 49ers. A year later, Atlanta failed to return to the Super Bowl, losing to the Eagles in the Divisional Round.

Despite the winning streak, things began to fall apart in Atlanta over the next few seasons. The Falcons posted consecutive 7-9 finishes in 2018 and 2019 and hit their lowest point in 2020 by finishing 4-12 that season. Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn were both fired after an 0-5 start to this season.

Dimitroff has been out of the NFL since his release in October 2020. Since then, he has served as president of football operations for SumerSports, a data-driven platform founded to support front office staff in decision-making at both the professional and collegiate levels.

With nearly 30 years of NFL experience, Dimitroff is exploring a possible return with a franchise that could certainly use an experienced leader to guide him.