Mike Tannenbaum gave what was described as an emotional speech to the team on Monday morning after being told by owner Woody Johnson that he was being fired after 15 years with the Jets, the last seven as general manager.
Tannenbaum then issued the following statement:
"I want to thank Woody and his entire family for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime -- serving as the General Manager of the New York Jets for seven years. "I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of rebuilding a winning tradition for Jets fans over the past 15 years.
My days with Coach Parcells through my years as general manager of the team that went to back-to-back AFC Championship games have been the fulfillment of a dream I have had since I was a little kid and I'll always be grateful to Woody, the two head coaches, Rex and Eric, as well as all of the players, staff and the entire organization for this opportunity.
"While of course it is disappointing to not achieve the ultimate goal of winning a championship, I am incredibly proud of our overall winning record and success. I feel very fortunate to have been the general manager who drafted cornerstone players during a period that yielded four playoff victories and 22 Pro Bowl appearances.
"I appreciate that it is rare for someone to stay with one organization with such a wide range of responsibilities for so many years.
| More NFL Black Monday |
| Related content |
|
My time with the Jets will always be special to me and my
family and it has prepared me well for whatever comes next.
"There are champions on this team that haven’t been crowned yet. I am confident that the base we've established will allow the New York Jets to continue a winning tradition for years to come and I wish everyone in the organization the best of luck."
The Jets have already commenced their search for a new general manager, hiring Jed Hughes of Korn/Ferry International to lead it.
Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter@CBSJets and @LisaZimmerman.
