New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas has added Phil Savage and Rex Hogan to his staff as he fills out his front office.
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas is wasting no time getting his hands into the team. A week after being introduced as the new man in charge, Douglas has already started filling out his front office. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, his assistant general manager will be Rex Hogan
New Jets’ GM Joe Douglas know has a new man at his side: Jets hired former Colts’ VP of player personnel Rex Hogan as assistant General Manager, per sources. Jets get a coveted personnel man.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 18, 2019
This marks Hogan’s second stint with the Jets. He was the director of college scouting for the team from 2015-2017. He then left to become the Indianapolis Colts’ vice president of player personnel, which was his job before Douglas hired him.
The Chicago Bears employed Hogan as a scout from 2003-2015. This included working as the national scout from 2013 until he left to join the Jets. The Colts’ front office, much like the Philadelphia Eagles team that Douglas left, has many enticing executives that teams would love to snatch. The Jets got one of them.
Additionally, former Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage will join the team. The role he will fill is unclear. However, the team is expected to announce the move this week, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Sources: Ex-#Browns GM and Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage is expected to join the personnel staff of new #Jets GM Joe Douglas. The role is not yet clear, but barring a snag, an announcement should come this week. Key hire for Douglas & a return to the NFL for Savage.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 18, 2019
Savage was the general manager of the Browns from 2005-2008, compiling a 24-40 record. However, his 10-6 2007 record still stands as the team’s most recent season with a record above .500. It was the second season since they rejoined the NFL in 1999 where they finished above .500. It was also the only time they won 10 or more games in that timespan.
Savage did draft Brady Quinn in the first round, a decision that worked out horribly for the franchise. However, with Sam Darnold in place, the Jets are set at that position. This allows the front office to focus on other areas, such as the offensive line and the cornerback position. Douglas should look to address both immediately.
In addition to his executive background, Savage has been a scout with the Browns (1993-1995) and has worked in the personnel departments of the Baltimore Ravens (1996-2004) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2010-2012). He worked with Douglas during their tenures with the Ravens.
Savage was an assistant coach with the University of Alabama, UCLA, the Browns, and the San Antonio Riders of the World League of American Football before transitioning to a scout. He was also the executive director for the Senior Bowl from 2012-2018.
Most recently, Savage was the general manager of the Arizona Hotshots of the now-defunct Alliance of American Football. The team was tied for first place in the Western Conference at 5-3 when the league ceased operations.
Douglas is making the key hires for his staff before training camp begins for the Jets. They’re hoping to identify a few unsigned players who can fill needs for them.
