In a surprise move, Lions executive Chris Spielman is expected to interview for the Jets general manager job.
In a bit of a surprise twist, an unexpected Detroit Lions executive will be interviewing for a front office job. As first reported by Anthony Rothman—and subsequently confirmed by Jonathan Jones—Lions special assistant to president/CEO and chairperson Chris Spielman will interview for the New York Jets general manager position.
This is a surprise because Spielman has said often that he likes being the behind-the-scenes guy. In fact, when Lions president Rod Wood first approached Spielman about joining the team back in 2021, he turned down any consideration for being the team’s general manager.
“First he asked me if I wanted to interview for the GM job, and I said, ‘Very flattered that you asked, but I’m not qualified to be a general manager, but I do think I can help in other areas,’” Spielman said.
Spielman’s role with the Lions has evolved over time to encompass a number of roles. He regularly meets with ownership, is intimately involved in the scouting process, occasionally pitches in when it comes to coaching the linebacker position, and has even worked on the business side of the franchise, helping with ticket sales at times.
But, again, it’s surprising to see him explore a general manager job, because he’s specifically said he wasn’t interested. From an interview back in 2021 with ESPN’s Dave Pasch:
“I’m not interested in being the general manager. I’m not interested in being the coach. I’m interested in being service-oriented towards you guys. I told them, ‘Look, I’ve climbed that mountain as a player. I’ve reached the epitome of what I could possibly reach as an NFL player.’ That was my goal, that was my dream.”
We’ll see how serious a candidate Spielman is for landing the job. The Jets have been doing a wide search for the position, interviewing four people already (Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson, Jim Nagy, Louis Riddick). They’re also expected to interview a more than a handful of others (including Alec Halaby, Jon-Eric Sullivan, Mike Borgonzi, Ray Farmer, and several others).
