Has John Idzik really struggled for the New York Jets?
It's been the biggest criticism surrounding the New York Jets this season. For every loss, blown coverage or interception thrown, the culprit has almost always been general manager John Idzik.
After all, it was Idzik who got rid of Mark Sanchez, drafted Geno Smith and set the team up for its secondary malfunctions.
Whether any of the above is right, wrong or in between, the fact remains Idzik is just 10 games into his second season as the Jets general manager.
Has he been perfect? No. But what of the other 31 NFL general managers that took over their teams? How did they do in their first two years?
About.com took a look at each general manager throughout the National Football League and their records their first two seasons in the NFL. For general managers that were hired this season (2014), the team's previous general manager was looked at. For a rare situation involving the Cleveland Browns, the general manager two years removed was looked at.
Of these 31 other general managers, based on their first two seasons, were split into three categories based on their performance: The Good, The Average, The Bad.
Last year, his first in charge, Idzik's Jets finished 8-8 and this year sit 2-8. For each NFL team, there were several that drew a striking resemblance to Idzik in his first two years with New York.
John Schneider (Seattle Seahawks) was 7-9 during his first two years in charge. Les Snead of the St. Louis Rams finished 7-8-1 in year one, followed by 7-9 in year two.
The New Orleans Saints' Mickey Lomis built a team that finished 9-7 in his first year, followed by 8-8 in his second. Rick Smith (Houston Texans) was 8-8 in both his first and second years with the team.
Before breaking down each NFL general manager, in 2013, the year Idzik was hired, there were seven other new general managers employed: Doug Whaley (Buffalo), Michael Lombardi (Cleveland), David Caldwell (Jacksonville), John Dorsey (Kansas City), Tom Telesco (San Diego), Dave Gettleman (Carolina) and Steve Keim (Arizona).
Lombardi was fired after one year by the Browns. Of the other six, Keim, Telesco and Dorsey presently have their respective teams over .500. Gettleman's Panthers were 12-4 last year, but sit 3-6-1 in 2014.
Below you will find direct links to the good, the average and the bad from the present general managers in the NFL and how each fared in their first two seasons with their teams. You can also click through the four sections.
Jump to specific section
• Most Successful General Managers
• Average Success
• Least Successful General managers
• Every General Manager's record for first two seasons
Connor Hughes is the New York Jets beat writer for About.com Sports. He can be reached on twitter: @Connor_J_Hughes, or via email: Connor_J_Hughes@yahoo.com
Most Successful General Managers
Be it the fact they inherited a talented team, an all-pro quarterback or simply made the right moves at the right time, these general managers all experienced immense success their first couple seasons on the job.
New England Patriots, Bill Belichick
It wasn't all fun and games for Belichick in his first season with the New England Patriots back in 2000, as his team finished 5-11, but the next year began the New England dynasty.
Following the infamous injury to Drew Bledsoe that put Tom Brady at the helm, the Patriots finished 11-5 and defeated the St. Louis Rams to win the franchise's first Super Bowl. Belichick drafted Brady in 2000 and defensive lineman Richard Seymour and offensive lineman Matt Light in 2001.
Baltimore Ravens, Ozzie Newsome
While Newsome was always involved in player personnel with the Ravens, he was officially given the label of 'General Manager' in 2002. His first season on the job, Newsome's Ravens finished 7-9, but improved greatly in year two. Baltimore finished 10-6 and won the division for the first time as the 'Ravens.'
Pittsburgh Steelers, Kevin Colbert
The Steelers named Colbert their general manager in 2000 and success almost instantly followed. In his first year, Colbert built a team that finished 9-7. In year two, Pittsburgh was 13-3.
Indianapolis Colts, Ryan Grigson
Some people just get lucky. After the Colts finished with the NFL's worst record in 2011 --the year Peyton Manning missed with neck surgery-- Grigson was given the job.
With the No. 1 overall pick, he selected quarterback Andrew Luck. Both years in charge, Grigson's Colts have finished 11-5.
Denver Broncos, John Elway
Again, some people are just lucky. Elway's first year in charge, 2011, he had the Broncos in the playoffs with an 8-8 mark and won a playoff game with Tim Tebow at quarterback. The next season, Denver won the Peyton Manning sweepstakes and finished 13-3.
Kansas City Chiefs, John Dorsey
Maybe the general manager that has done the best job his first two years on the job took over the same year as Idzik. In his two seasons in charge, Dorsey has made some incredible personnel decisions from acquiring quarterback Alex Smith, to signing head coach Andy Reid. While his draft classes still need time to develop, Dorsey has the culture of the Chiefs turned around. In year one, Kansas City finished 11-5. This year, they're off to a 6-3 start in the incredibly tough AFC West.
Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones
While his teams have fallen off greatly since their Super Bowl runs in the 90s, Jerry Jones still built the Cowboys up from nothing, beginning with his buying of the team in 1990. Jones took the Cowboys from 7-9 to 11-5 in his first two seasons as general manager and made gutsy, but good, decisions in letting go of coach Tom Landry and hiring Jimmy Johnson, and trading Herschel Walker and drafting Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman.
New York Giants, Jerry Reese
Similar to Jones, Reese has come under heavy criticism as of late for his lack-of success in recent drafts, but his first two years in charge were near perfect. In 2007, Reese's draft class of Kevin Boss, Ahmad Bradshaw Steve Smith and more helped the Giants defeat the unbeaten New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. In his second year, Reese's Giants were the No. 1 seed in the NFC. He had a 22-10 record in his first two years as general manager.
Green Bay Packers, Ted Thompson
In his first season, Thompson had the Packers at 4-12. In his second, they improved to 8-8. His first two draft classes included names like Aaron Rodgers, A.J. Hawk and Greg Jennings.
Thomas Dimitroff, Atlanta Falcons
The year before Dimitroff started calling the shots, Atlanta was 4-12. When he took over, he led the team to an 11-5 record and a 9-7 mark in years one and two.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jason Licht
It didn't end well, but Licht was able to turn the Buccaneers around after a 3-13 record his first year, to a 10-6 mark in year two. Bad draft picks, the fall out of Josh Freeman and other questionable calls eventually led to his demise, but he was solid in years one and two.
Arizona Cardinals, Steve Keim
Like Kansas City's John Dorsey, Keim has been tremendous in his first two seasons with the Cardinals. The year before Keim took over, Arizona was 5-11. The team turned things around in year one, finishing 10-6. This season, they have the best record in the NFL. Solid drafting and free-agent pickups have turned the team around and Keim was at the front of it all leading the way.
San Francisco 49ers, Trent Baalke
The hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh helped, but so too did solid drafting and free-agent pickups. In his first two years in charge, Baalke had the 49ers 13-3 and 11-4-1.
----
Jump to specific section
• Least Successful General Managers
• Average Success
• Every general manager's record for first two seasons
Most Average General Managers
While some general managers saw immense success and others none at all, there were plenty that were right around the middle of the pack. Not great, not bad, just average. These general managers failed to make much of a difference in their first two years in charge.
Doug Whaley, Buffalo Bills
Whaley took over a struggling Buffalo Bills team, took a chance on quarterback E.J. Manuel and that chance has yet to pay off.
As a result, the Bills are like so many other teams still searching for a quarterback. Between the team's running game, weapons and defense, the Bills have a lot going for them and Whaley is a big reason why. But, the failure to get a quarterback has them middling. In his first season last year, Whaley's squad finished 6-10. This year, they're off to a 5-5 start.
Miami Dolphins, Jeff Ireland
Dennis Hickey is presently the Miami Dolphins general manager and was hired this past offseason. Because he is in his first year, we took a look at Ireland.
In his first two seasons in charge, Ireland didn't make much of a difference after Bill Parcells left. He finished 7-9 and 6-10 in back-to-back seasons. After years of mediocrity, Ireland was fired in 2014.
Houston Texans, Rick Smith
There really isn't a better definition than 'average' for Texans general manager Rick Smith. In his first two season in charge (2006, 2007), Smith's team finished 8-8 in both years.
Tennessee Titans, Ruston Webster
There was some improvement from Webster's Titans from his first season in 2012 (6-10), to his second season (7-9), but the team has been hurt by the lack-of health from quarterback Jake Locker.
San Diego Chargers, Tom Telesco
Another general manager hired the same year as John Idzik, under Telesco, San Diego finished last year 9-7 in a difficult AFC East. This season, the team's off to a 5-4 start. Helping the team's case is the revival of quarterback Phillip Rivers.
Philadelphia Eagles, Howie Roseman
In his first two seasons with the Eagles, Roseman built a team that finished 10-6 and 8-8. Although, with Andy Reid the head coach, it wasn't entirely clear how much was Roseman and how much was Reid as the coach had a heavy hand in personnel decisions.
Chicago Bears, Phil Emery
While things have spiraled out of control in Chicago as of late, the team finished 2012 10-6 and 2013 8-8 in Emery's first two seasons.
Detroit Lions, Martin Mayhew
Mayhew did a boarder line average job his first two seasons, but considering he took a team that didn't win any games (0-16) the year before he got there, to winning six two years later, showed potential.
New Orleans Saints, Mickey Loomis
In 2002, the Saints finished 9-7 under Loomis. The next year, 8-8.
St. Louis Rams, Les Snead
It's tough to truly look at Snead's time as general manager and get an accurate description of how he's done. In 2012, Snead's Rams were a game away from the playoffs, falling to the Seahawks, 20-13, in a win-and-in Week 17 situation. A year later, quarterback Sam Bradford missed nine games with an injury. The team finished 7-8-1 in year one and 7-9 last year.
Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider
Coming from Seattle, Idzik has been compared to Schneider more than anything else. In Schneider's first two seasons, the team finished 7-9 in each. The GM went on to hit on several late draft picks, and of course Russell Wilson, which turned around the state of the franchise.
Jump to specific section
• Most Successful General Managers
• Least Successful General Managers
• Every general manager's record for first two seasons
While Idzik has been far from successful during his first two seasons as general manager of the Jets, he's far from the worst the league has seen. While some have turned it around, others seem to be headed towards the chopping block at the end of this year.
Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Brown bought the Bengals back in 1991 and assumed the role as the team's general manager, too. In his first two season, Cincinnati was dreadful, finishing 6-10 followed by 5-11.
The good part about owning the team is it's near impossible to get fired. Brown still owns the team to this day and has turned the culture around. Still, his first two years weren't very successful.
Tom Heckert, Cleveland Browns
Last year the Browns were built by Michael Lombardi, who was fired at the end of the year. This year, Ray Farmer is the general manager. The last time the Browns had a GM last more than a season was when Tom Heckert ran things from 2010-2012. In his first two years, Heckert's Browns finished 5-11 both seasons. He was fired before the 2013 season
Jacksonville Jaguars, David Caldwell
Hired the same year as Idzik, Caldwell has experienced very little success with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team is in a full-on rebuilding period. When Caldwell took over the team, Jacksonville had very little talent and the talent it did have (Maurice Jones-Drew) was aging. In 2013, the team finished 4-12 and this year they're off to a 1-9 start. It's unfair to judge Caldwell for another two or three seasons until his draft picks have time to develop.
Oakland Raiders, Reggie Mackenzie
Arguably the least successful and worst general manager in the NFL is Oakland's Reggie Mackenzie. Since taking over in 2012, Mackenzie's teams have finished 4-12 in each season. This year, the Raiders have yet to win. Mackenzie hasn't hit on many draft picks and his choices of who to let go, and who to sign in free agency, have been suspect.
Washington Redskins, Bruce Allen
With Dan Snyder as the team's owner, it's unclear how many decisions from the Redskins are actually made by Allen. Either way, his first two seasons didn't go well. Washington finished 6-10 in year one, followed by 5-11 in year two.
Minnesota Vikings, Rick Spielman
Like Jacksonville's Caldwell, Spielman is in the process of rebuilding the Vikings. His first year, the team finished 10-6. His next, 5-10-1.
Carolina Panthers, Dave Gettleman
It's tough to look at Carolina's last two seasons under Gettleman, who got control of the team the same year as Idzik, and not be a tad confused. His first year, Carolina finished 12-4. This year, the team's 3-6-1. There's a lack of talent at receiver and some very questionable decisions by the general manager have left the team near the bottom of the NFC South.
Jump to specific section
• Most Successful General Managers
• Average Success
• Every general manager's record for first two seasons
Below you will find each general manager's record through their first two years in charge:
AFC EAST
Doug Whaley, Buffalo
• 2013 (6-10)
• 2014 (5-5)
Jeff Ireland, Miami Dolphins
(replaced by Dennis Hickey in 2014)
• 2010 (7-9)
• 2011 (6-10)
New England Patriots, Bill Belichick [Coach/GM]
• 2000 (5-11)
• 2011 (11-5) * Super Bowl Champions
New York Jets, John Idzik
• 2013 (8-8)
• 2014 (2-8)*
----
AFC NORTH
Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens
• 2002 (7-9)
• 2003 (10-6)
Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals[Owner/GM]
• 1991 (6-10)
• 1992 (5-11)
Tom Heckert, Cleveland Browns
Michael Lombardi hired in 2013, fired in 2014. Ray Farmer hired in 2014
• 2010 (5-11)
• 2011 (5-11)
Kevin Colbert, Pittsburgh Steelers
2000 (9-7)
2001 (13-3)
----
AFC South
Rick Smith, Houston Texans
• 2006 (8-8)
• 2007 (8-8)
Ryan Grigson, Indianapolis Colts
• 2012 (11-5)
• 2013 (11-5)
David Caldwell, Jacksonville Jaguars
• 2013 (4-12)
• 2014 (1-9)
Ruston Webster, Tennessee Titans
• 2012 (6-10)
• 2013 (7-9)
----
AFC WEST
John Elway, Denver Broncos
• 2011 (8-8)
• 2012 (13-3)
John Dorsey, Kansas City Chiefs
• 2013 (11-5)
• 2014 (6-3)
Reggie Mackenzie, Oakland Raiders
• 2012 (4-12)
• 2013 (4-12)
Tom Telesco, San Diego Chargers
• 2013 (9-7)
• 2014 (5-4)
------
NFC EAST
Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys
• 1990 (7-9)
• 1991 (11-5)
Jerry Reese, New York Giants
• 2007 (10-6) * Super Bowl Champions
• 2008 (12-4)
Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles
• 2010 (10-6)
• 2011 (8-8)
Bruce Allen, Washington Redskins
• 2010 (6-10)
• 2011 (5-11)
----
NFC NORTH
Phil Emery, Chicago Bears
• 2012 (10-6)
• 2013 (8-8)
Martin Mayhew, Detroit Lions
• 2009 (2-14)
• 2010 (6-10)
Ted Thompson, Green Bay Packers
• 2005 (4-12)
• 2006 (8-8)
Rick Spielman, Minnesota Vikings
• 2012 (10-6)
• 2013 (5-10-1)
----
NFC SOUTH
Thomas Dimitroff, Atlanta Falcons
• 2008 (11-5)
• 2009 (9-7)
Dave Gettleman, Carolina Panthers
• 2013 (12-4)
• 2014 (3-6-1)
Mickey Loomis, New Orleans Saints
• 2002 (9-7)
• 2003 (8-8)
Mark Dominik, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jason Licht was hired in 2014
• 2009 (3-13)
• 2010 (10-6)
----
NFC WEST
Steve Keim, Arizona Cardinals
• 2013 (10-6)
• 2014 (8-1)
Les Snead, St. Louis Rams
• 2012 (7-8-1)
• 2013 (7-9)
Trent Baalke, San Francisco 49ers
• 2011 (13-3)
• 2012 (11-4-1)
John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks
• 2010 (7-9)
• 2011 (7-9)
-----
Jump to specific section
• Most Successful General Managers
• Average Success
• Least Successful General Managers
It's been the biggest criticism surrounding the New York Jets this season. For every loss, blown coverage or interception thrown, the culprit has almost always been general manager John Idzik.
After all, it was Idzik who got rid of Mark Sanchez, drafted Geno Smith and set the team up for its secondary malfunctions.
Whether any of the above is right, wrong or in between, the fact remains Idzik is just 10 games into his second season as the Jets general manager.
Has he been perfect? No. But what of the other 31 NFL general managers that took over their teams? How did they do in their first two years?
About.com took a look at each general manager throughout the National Football League and their records their first two seasons in the NFL. For general managers that were hired this season (2014), the team's previous general manager was looked at. For a rare situation involving the Cleveland Browns, the general manager two years removed was looked at.
Of these 31 other general managers, based on their first two seasons, were split into three categories based on their performance: The Good, The Average, The Bad.
Last year, his first in charge, Idzik's Jets finished 8-8 and this year sit 2-8. For each NFL team, there were several that drew a striking resemblance to Idzik in his first two years with New York.
John Schneider (Seattle Seahawks) was 7-9 during his first two years in charge. Les Snead of the St. Louis Rams finished 7-8-1 in year one, followed by 7-9 in year two.
The New Orleans Saints' Mickey Lomis built a team that finished 9-7 in his first year, followed by 8-8 in his second. Rick Smith (Houston Texans) was 8-8 in both his first and second years with the team.
Before breaking down each NFL general manager, in 2013, the year Idzik was hired, there were seven other new general managers employed: Doug Whaley (Buffalo), Michael Lombardi (Cleveland), David Caldwell (Jacksonville), John Dorsey (Kansas City), Tom Telesco (San Diego), Dave Gettleman (Carolina) and Steve Keim (Arizona).
Lombardi was fired after one year by the Browns. Of the other six, Keim, Telesco and Dorsey presently have their respective teams over .500. Gettleman's Panthers were 12-4 last year, but sit 3-6-1 in 2014.
Below you will find direct links to the good, the average and the bad from the present general managers in the NFL and how each fared in their first two seasons with their teams. You can also click through the four sections.
Jump to specific section
• Most Successful General Managers
• Average Success
• Least Successful General managers
• Every General Manager's record for first two seasons
Connor Hughes is the New York Jets beat writer for About.com Sports. He can be reached on twitter: @Connor_J_Hughes, or via email: Connor_J_Hughes@yahoo.com
Most Successful General Managers
Be it the fact they inherited a talented team, an all-pro quarterback or simply made the right moves at the right time, these general managers all experienced immense success their first couple seasons on the job.
New England Patriots, Bill Belichick
It wasn't all fun and games for Belichick in his first season with the New England Patriots back in 2000, as his team finished 5-11, but the next year began the New England dynasty.
Following the infamous injury to Drew Bledsoe that put Tom Brady at the helm, the Patriots finished 11-5 and defeated the St. Louis Rams to win the franchise's first Super Bowl. Belichick drafted Brady in 2000 and defensive lineman Richard Seymour and offensive lineman Matt Light in 2001.
Baltimore Ravens, Ozzie Newsome
While Newsome was always involved in player personnel with the Ravens, he was officially given the label of 'General Manager' in 2002. His first season on the job, Newsome's Ravens finished 7-9, but improved greatly in year two. Baltimore finished 10-6 and won the division for the first time as the 'Ravens.'
Pittsburgh Steelers, Kevin Colbert
The Steelers named Colbert their general manager in 2000 and success almost instantly followed. In his first year, Colbert built a team that finished 9-7. In year two, Pittsburgh was 13-3.
Indianapolis Colts, Ryan Grigson
Some people just get lucky. After the Colts finished with the NFL's worst record in 2011 --the year Peyton Manning missed with neck surgery-- Grigson was given the job.
With the No. 1 overall pick, he selected quarterback Andrew Luck. Both years in charge, Grigson's Colts have finished 11-5.
Denver Broncos, John Elway
Again, some people are just lucky. Elway's first year in charge, 2011, he had the Broncos in the playoffs with an 8-8 mark and won a playoff game with Tim Tebow at quarterback. The next season, Denver won the Peyton Manning sweepstakes and finished 13-3.
Kansas City Chiefs, John Dorsey
Maybe the general manager that has done the best job his first two years on the job took over the same year as Idzik. In his two seasons in charge, Dorsey has made some incredible personnel decisions from acquiring quarterback Alex Smith, to signing head coach Andy Reid. While his draft classes still need time to develop, Dorsey has the culture of the Chiefs turned around. In year one, Kansas City finished 11-5. This year, they're off to a 6-3 start in the incredibly tough AFC West.
Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones
While his teams have fallen off greatly since their Super Bowl runs in the 90s, Jerry Jones still built the Cowboys up from nothing, beginning with his buying of the team in 1990. Jones took the Cowboys from 7-9 to 11-5 in his first two seasons as general manager and made gutsy, but good, decisions in letting go of coach Tom Landry and hiring Jimmy Johnson, and trading Herschel Walker and drafting Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman.
New York Giants, Jerry Reese
Similar to Jones, Reese has come under heavy criticism as of late for his lack-of success in recent drafts, but his first two years in charge were near perfect. In 2007, Reese's draft class of Kevin Boss, Ahmad Bradshaw Steve Smith and more helped the Giants defeat the unbeaten New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. In his second year, Reese's Giants were the No. 1 seed in the NFC. He had a 22-10 record in his first two years as general manager.
Green Bay Packers, Ted Thompson
In his first season, Thompson had the Packers at 4-12. In his second, they improved to 8-8. His first two draft classes included names like Aaron Rodgers, A.J. Hawk and Greg Jennings.
Thomas Dimitroff, Atlanta Falcons
The year before Dimitroff started calling the shots, Atlanta was 4-12. When he took over, he led the team to an 11-5 record and a 9-7 mark in years one and two.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jason Licht
It didn't end well, but Licht was able to turn the Buccaneers around after a 3-13 record his first year, to a 10-6 mark in year two. Bad draft picks, the fall out of Josh Freeman and other questionable calls eventually led to his demise, but he was solid in years one and two.
Arizona Cardinals, Steve Keim
Like Kansas City's John Dorsey, Keim has been tremendous in his first two seasons with the Cardinals. The year before Keim took over, Arizona was 5-11. The team turned things around in year one, finishing 10-6. This season, they have the best record in the NFL. Solid drafting and free-agent pickups have turned the team around and Keim was at the front of it all leading the way.
San Francisco 49ers, Trent Baalke
The hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh helped, but so too did solid drafting and free-agent pickups. In his first two years in charge, Baalke had the 49ers 13-3 and 11-4-1.
----
Jump to specific section
• Least Successful General Managers
• Average Success
• Every general manager's record for first two seasons
Most Average General Managers
While some general managers saw immense success and others none at all, there were plenty that were right around the middle of the pack. Not great, not bad, just average. These general managers failed to make much of a difference in their first two years in charge.
Doug Whaley, Buffalo Bills
Whaley took over a struggling Buffalo Bills team, took a chance on quarterback E.J. Manuel and that chance has yet to pay off.
As a result, the Bills are like so many other teams still searching for a quarterback. Between the team's running game, weapons and defense, the Bills have a lot going for them and Whaley is a big reason why. But, the failure to get a quarterback has them middling. In his first season last year, Whaley's squad finished 6-10. This year, they're off to a 5-5 start.
Miami Dolphins, Jeff Ireland
Dennis Hickey is presently the Miami Dolphins general manager and was hired this past offseason. Because he is in his first year, we took a look at Ireland.
In his first two seasons in charge, Ireland didn't make much of a difference after Bill Parcells left. He finished 7-9 and 6-10 in back-to-back seasons. After years of mediocrity, Ireland was fired in 2014.
Houston Texans, Rick Smith
There really isn't a better definition than 'average' for Texans general manager Rick Smith. In his first two season in charge (2006, 2007), Smith's team finished 8-8 in both years.
Tennessee Titans, Ruston Webster
There was some improvement from Webster's Titans from his first season in 2012 (6-10), to his second season (7-9), but the team has been hurt by the lack-of health from quarterback Jake Locker.
San Diego Chargers, Tom Telesco
Another general manager hired the same year as John Idzik, under Telesco, San Diego finished last year 9-7 in a difficult AFC East. This season, the team's off to a 5-4 start. Helping the team's case is the revival of quarterback Phillip Rivers.
Philadelphia Eagles, Howie Roseman
In his first two seasons with the Eagles, Roseman built a team that finished 10-6 and 8-8. Although, with Andy Reid the head coach, it wasn't entirely clear how much was Roseman and how much was Reid as the coach had a heavy hand in personnel decisions.
Chicago Bears, Phil Emery
While things have spiraled out of control in Chicago as of late, the team finished 2012 10-6 and 2013 8-8 in Emery's first two seasons.
Detroit Lions, Martin Mayhew
Mayhew did a boarder line average job his first two seasons, but considering he took a team that didn't win any games (0-16) the year before he got there, to winning six two years later, showed potential.
New Orleans Saints, Mickey Loomis
In 2002, the Saints finished 9-7 under Loomis. The next year, 8-8.
St. Louis Rams, Les Snead
It's tough to truly look at Snead's time as general manager and get an accurate description of how he's done. In 2012, Snead's Rams were a game away from the playoffs, falling to the Seahawks, 20-13, in a win-and-in Week 17 situation. A year later, quarterback Sam Bradford missed nine games with an injury. The team finished 7-8-1 in year one and 7-9 last year.
Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider
Coming from Seattle, Idzik has been compared to Schneider more than anything else. In Schneider's first two seasons, the team finished 7-9 in each. The GM went on to hit on several late draft picks, and of course Russell Wilson, which turned around the state of the franchise.
Jump to specific section
• Most Successful General Managers
• Least Successful General Managers
• Every general manager's record for first two seasons
While Idzik has been far from successful during his first two seasons as general manager of the Jets, he's far from the worst the league has seen. While some have turned it around, others seem to be headed towards the chopping block at the end of this year.
Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Brown bought the Bengals back in 1991 and assumed the role as the team's general manager, too. In his first two season, Cincinnati was dreadful, finishing 6-10 followed by 5-11.
The good part about owning the team is it's near impossible to get fired. Brown still owns the team to this day and has turned the culture around. Still, his first two years weren't very successful.
Tom Heckert, Cleveland Browns
Last year the Browns were built by Michael Lombardi, who was fired at the end of the year. This year, Ray Farmer is the general manager. The last time the Browns had a GM last more than a season was when Tom Heckert ran things from 2010-2012. In his first two years, Heckert's Browns finished 5-11 both seasons. He was fired before the 2013 season
Jacksonville Jaguars, David Caldwell
Hired the same year as Idzik, Caldwell has experienced very little success with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team is in a full-on rebuilding period. When Caldwell took over the team, Jacksonville had very little talent and the talent it did have (Maurice Jones-Drew) was aging. In 2013, the team finished 4-12 and this year they're off to a 1-9 start. It's unfair to judge Caldwell for another two or three seasons until his draft picks have time to develop.
Oakland Raiders, Reggie Mackenzie
Arguably the least successful and worst general manager in the NFL is Oakland's Reggie Mackenzie. Since taking over in 2012, Mackenzie's teams have finished 4-12 in each season. This year, the Raiders have yet to win. Mackenzie hasn't hit on many draft picks and his choices of who to let go, and who to sign in free agency, have been suspect.
Washington Redskins, Bruce Allen
With Dan Snyder as the team's owner, it's unclear how many decisions from the Redskins are actually made by Allen. Either way, his first two seasons didn't go well. Washington finished 6-10 in year one, followed by 5-11 in year two.
Minnesota Vikings, Rick Spielman
Like Jacksonville's Caldwell, Spielman is in the process of rebuilding the Vikings. His first year, the team finished 10-6. His next, 5-10-1.
Carolina Panthers, Dave Gettleman
It's tough to look at Carolina's last two seasons under Gettleman, who got control of the team the same year as Idzik, and not be a tad confused. His first year, Carolina finished 12-4. This year, the team's 3-6-1. There's a lack of talent at receiver and some very questionable decisions by the general manager have left the team near the bottom of the NFC South.
Jump to specific section
• Most Successful General Managers
• Average Success
• Every general manager's record for first two seasons
Below you will find each general manager's record through their first two years in charge:
AFC EAST
Doug Whaley, Buffalo
• 2013 (6-10)
• 2014 (5-5)
Jeff Ireland, Miami Dolphins
(replaced by Dennis Hickey in 2014)
• 2010 (7-9)
• 2011 (6-10)
New England Patriots, Bill Belichick [Coach/GM]
• 2000 (5-11)
• 2011 (11-5) * Super Bowl Champions
New York Jets, John Idzik
• 2013 (8-8)
• 2014 (2-8)*
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AFC NORTH
Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens
• 2002 (7-9)
• 2003 (10-6)
Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals[Owner/GM]
• 1991 (6-10)
• 1992 (5-11)
Tom Heckert, Cleveland Browns
Michael Lombardi hired in 2013, fired in 2014. Ray Farmer hired in 2014
• 2010 (5-11)
• 2011 (5-11)
Kevin Colbert, Pittsburgh Steelers
2000 (9-7)
2001 (13-3)
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AFC South
Rick Smith, Houston Texans
• 2006 (8-8)
• 2007 (8-8)
Ryan Grigson, Indianapolis Colts
• 2012 (11-5)
• 2013 (11-5)
David Caldwell, Jacksonville Jaguars
• 2013 (4-12)
• 2014 (1-9)
Ruston Webster, Tennessee Titans
• 2012 (6-10)
• 2013 (7-9)
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AFC WEST
John Elway, Denver Broncos
• 2011 (8-8)
• 2012 (13-3)
John Dorsey, Kansas City Chiefs
• 2013 (11-5)
• 2014 (6-3)
Reggie Mackenzie, Oakland Raiders
• 2012 (4-12)
• 2013 (4-12)
Tom Telesco, San Diego Chargers
• 2013 (9-7)
• 2014 (5-4)
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NFC EAST
Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys
• 1990 (7-9)
• 1991 (11-5)
Jerry Reese, New York Giants
• 2007 (10-6) * Super Bowl Champions
• 2008 (12-4)
Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles
• 2010 (10-6)
• 2011 (8-8)
Bruce Allen, Washington Redskins
• 2010 (6-10)
• 2011 (5-11)
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NFC NORTH
Phil Emery, Chicago Bears
• 2012 (10-6)
• 2013 (8-8)
Martin Mayhew, Detroit Lions
• 2009 (2-14)
• 2010 (6-10)
Ted Thompson, Green Bay Packers
• 2005 (4-12)
• 2006 (8-8)
Rick Spielman, Minnesota Vikings
• 2012 (10-6)
• 2013 (5-10-1)
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NFC SOUTH
Thomas Dimitroff, Atlanta Falcons
• 2008 (11-5)
• 2009 (9-7)
Dave Gettleman, Carolina Panthers
• 2013 (12-4)
• 2014 (3-6-1)
Mickey Loomis, New Orleans Saints
• 2002 (9-7)
• 2003 (8-8)
Mark Dominik, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jason Licht was hired in 2014
• 2009 (3-13)
• 2010 (10-6)
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NFC WEST
Steve Keim, Arizona Cardinals
• 2013 (10-6)
• 2014 (8-1)
Les Snead, St. Louis Rams
• 2012 (7-8-1)
• 2013 (7-9)
Trent Baalke, San Francisco 49ers
• 2011 (13-3)
• 2012 (11-4-1)
John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks
• 2010 (7-9)
• 2011 (7-9)
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