Christopher Johnson
AP Photo

The Minnesota Vikings’ assistant general manager turned down the New York Jets, opting to return for a 13th season in Minneapolis.

The New York Jets interview list for general manager is growing. George Paton, however, won’t be joining.

Connor Hughes of The Athletic has reported that Paton will instead retain his position as assistant general manager of the Minnesota Vikings.

Paton previously turned down the Jets for a general manager interview in 2006 and 2012. At those times, the Jets were searching for respective replacements for Terry Bradway and Mike Tannenbaum.

Paton will return for a 13th season with the Vikings. He has been working alongside general manager Rick Spielman in Minnesota since the two each entered the organization in 2006. The two also worked together in Chicago and Miami.

Joe Douglas, the Vice President of Player Personnel in Philadelphia, is reportedly the favorite for the Jets job.

Other candidates include Chicago’s Assistant Director of Player Personnel Champ Kelly and Scott Fitterer, the Co-Director of Player Personnel from Seattle. The New Orleans’ Director of Pro Scouting Terry Fontenot has also been requested for an interview.

Head coach Adam Gase is temporarily serving in the role while helping with the search. The team fired Mike Maccagnan from the spot on May 15.

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