Jets Fire GM Mike Tannenbaum; Rex Ryan Stays
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Jets' turmoil-filled season wrapped up Sunday with a 28-9 loss in Buffalo.
And so ended the so-called circus of 2012. As expected, general manager Mike Tannenbaum was given a one-way ticket out of the big top on Monday morning. His firing was announced in a statement from owner Woody Johnson.
"We are not where we want to be," Johnson said, adding that a new general manager will be "critical to getting this team back on the right track."
"My time with the Jets will always be special to me and my family and it has prepared me well for whatever comes next," Tannenbaum said in a statement. "There are champions on this team that haven't been crowned yet. I am confident that the base we've established will allow the New York Jets to continue a winning tradition for years to come and I wish everyone in the organization the best of luck."
MORE: Players react to Tannenbaum's firing
Johnson also announced that head coach Rex Ryan would stay on as head coach of the Jets.
"I believe that he has the passion, the talent, and the drive to successfully lead our team," said Johnson.
Ryan has two years and $6 million remaining on his contract. The Jets' mark of 6-10 was the worst under Ryan, who led the team to consecutive AFC Championship game appearances in his first two seasons.
"I want to be here," he said after Sunday's loss. "This is the team that I want to coach. Nobody else's. Obviously with only six wins and all that stuff I'm sure there will be some Jets fans that maybe wish I wouldn't coach the Jets. But guess what — I know I'm the right guy for the job."
The Jets have "engaged the services" of recruiting executive Jed Hughes of Korn/Ferry International to head the team's search for its new general manager.
"When we have updates on this process, we will provide them to our fans and the media," Johnson said.
"Is the GM job attractive?" tweeted former Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet. "HC whos a great defensive mind/motivator.A great owner who will spend money.The best fans. In NYC. Yes. I think so."
Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano will also be fired, according to ESPN.
Sparano left Buffalo on Sunday without speaking to reporters, while Tannenbaum was left off the team's media-availability schedule for Monday.
Ryan's season-ending press conference, originally scheduled for 4:45 p.m., was postponed Monday morning.
"Like all Jets fans, I am disappointed with this year's results," said Johnson. "However, I am confident that this change (firing Tannenbaum) will best position our team for greater success going forward."
There could be turnover too at quarterback. Tim Tebow isn't expected to return after his head-scratching season, and there's plenty of uncertainty surrounding embattled starter Mark Sanchez.
"There's a lot of potential in this organization," Sanchez said. "We've had success here before, and I know we can do it again."
Who should replace Tannenbaum? Be heard in the comments!
