Jets fire GM Mike Tannenbaum, retain coach Rex Ryan

Jets owner Woody Johnson, right, made GM Mike Tannenbaum, center, pay for the team's recent misadventures but held onto head coach Rex Ryan. (Photo: Kathy Willens, AP)

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Rex Ryan stays. Mike Tannenbaum goes.

That's the verdict for the New York Jets, who announced Monday morning they're keeping their head coach but parting with the general manager responsible for recent weak drafts, some questionable decisions on contracts given to Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes and ultimately the failed Tim Tebow experiment.

"Mike devoted 15 years of service to the Jets, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication," owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "Although he helped guide us to two consecutive AFC Championship games, we are not where we want to be, and a new general manager will be critical to getting this team back on the right track."

Ryan, who is 38-32 in four seasons with the Jets but 14-18 in the last two, will get another crack.

"I believe that he has the passion, the talent, and the drive to successfully lead our team," Johnson said.
Source : http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2012/12/31/mike-tannenbaum-fired-rex-ryan-stays/1800197/