Good list, though I would argue Kwesi's role with 49ers was executive in nature and he was close to the operations his entire career. Still, point well taken, even though this is a small % of overall GMs, most did take more time. I just think the probability of success increases if you had more than 4 years experience with operations before becoming a GM, but as you pointed out there are some notable exceptions, and JD could have been one of them, but wasn't.
I think JD was the first guy really since Parcells where he had the resume to be considered a legit GM candidate. We can split hairs on stuff like specific titles, or years in the role, whatever. He had a valid resume. Personnel side. Came from two very well run organizations in Baltimore and Philly. Had football experience. He had the resume. If you look at everyone after Parcells, Tanny was Parcells’ money guy so Parcells vouched for him but if not for that, he was a cap guy. Idzik had no business being in the conversation…he was a contracts guy only. Mac had the scouting background but he wasn’t part of any great team building…he got hired because Casserly pushed him. But not a single one of those guys would have gotten GM interviews or attention by any other team. Not one was a “hot name” or was pursued by other teams. They were all “We hired WHO???” type guys. JD was actually the first guy who when his name came up most people didn’t say that about him. In the end, he failed, but he did have the right strategy … he just blew too many picks. But he had some great picks, and some great trades, and some great fee agents too in guys like Reed. Just too many blown picks/free agents and they seemed to concentrate heavily on the OL group. And that along with the Zach pick just nailed him. 6 years is enough time to turn a program around if you know what you’re doing. He couldn’t do it.
I don’t really care and I’m not going to keep arguing since it’s irrelevant but you’re changing your criteria lol. A manager of football research is not senior level management dude.
It doesn't take a lot of skill to draft the obviously awesome player that fell to you. Joe Douglas did it a whole bunch in 2022.
Tom Telesco actually had a decent drafting record with the Chargers. Up and down like all of them. He sealed his fate when he got antsy and handed out all those big ass contracts to Bosa, Mack, that shitty New England corner I can’t think of. Not advocating for him but I don’t really get hiring him and firing him with one year of work in Vegas.
I am not sure how Alec stands out with a veteran coach if Woody hires Rex or Vrabel or Rivera. Jmgot to be a good combination. If Alec wants one way and Rex wants a defense, it’s not going to work. Just my two cents.
Well, according to some folks' logic, he should get zero merit, means nothing, it just fell on his lap, no brainer. Just like JDs good picks, they all fell on his lap. LOL. Time to pick a new GM.
I wish to God that Tannenbaum handed a card of recommendation with his name as GM and Rex as coach with a note that says “run it back, bitch!!” And it’s all on Hard Knocks.
