For the third time, Vikings vice president of player personnel and assistant general manager George Paton has rebuffed the Jets and will remain put in Minnesota.
According to The Athletic’s Connor Hughes, Paton declined New York’s request to interview him for its general manager job. Paton is the first candidate that has elected not to talk to the Jets about the opening.
Paton is no stranger to turning the Jets away. When New York was looking to replace Mike Tannenbaum, Paton declined to interview for the job. He did the same when the Jets fired John Idzik a couple of years later.
Given Paton’s comfort level in Minnesota and his long-standing relationship with general manager Rick Spielman, his decision not to interview with the Jets does not come as much of a surprise. Paton has rebuffed other NFL teams in the past and odds are, he will take over for Spielman when the time comes.
With Paton out of the running, New York’s search for a new general manager is down to four candidates. The Jets are interviewing Seattle Seahawks Co-Director of player personnel Scott Fitterer on Thursday and Friday, while Philadelphia Eagles vice president personnel and perceived favorite Joe Douglas will interview for the job as soon as this weekend.
New York is also expected to talk to Chicago Bears executive Champ Kelly, but a date has not yet been set. New Orleans Saints Director of Pro Scouting Terry Fontenot has yet to respond to the Jets’ request to interview.
