Since Joe Douglas was hired as general manager of the New York Jets in 2019, he has struggled to turn around the years of losing that the franchise has become used to.
A 30-62 record over the last six seasons shows a team that may have added a large amount of talent in recent years but has struggled to put it all together as an organization.
Part of that reason, despite a talented roster, is Douglas' struggles to find a coaching staff to get the most out of the players.
It's why the former Raven and Eagle executive's contract with the Jets remains in limbo as the final months draw closer. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon about his exact contract plans, Douglas remained focused on the here and now for the 3-6 Jets.
"Whatever happens, happens," Douglas said. "I come here every day and do whatever I can to help this team reach their goals."
New York's general manager acknowledged that he speaks to team owner Woody Johnson "every day" but even then, it's still unclear what Douglas' future looks like in Gang Green.
A big reason for that is because of the firing of Douglas' chosen head coach Robert Saleh. Douglas was not a part of the conversation that resulted in the coach's firing.
When asked about his role with the coaching change, and the reason for it, Douglas remained mum on the overall answer.
"I know Woody spoke afterward, I don't really have anything to add."
Saleh was Douglas' lone head coach appointment through his six-year tenure to this point. By not having a voice in the decision-making process, though, New York showed that it is Johnson running day-to-day operations within the organization.
And no one is safe in that reality.
"I serve at the pleasure of the owner," Douglas stated.
The future of the Jets franchise is clouded right now.
An interim coaching staff on a 3-6 roster, a locker room full of players on expiring contracts, an owner who could leave at the appointment of the new President of the United States, and a general manager trying to show he deserves a contract extension after this year shows that many of the answers fans are looking for won't be provided right away.
The record is what it is, though. And that's why Douglas appears to remain on the hot seat with as much at stake over his career in the final eight games as anyone else in the organization.
