Jets offer 170 employees buyouts in search of culture change

Jets offer 170 employees buyouts in search of culture change

The Jets are getting a makeover after another losing season and their 14th straight without a playoff appearance.

Earlier this month, the organization sent all non-contractual employees — 170 out of 250 staffers — buyout offers in an effort to change the culture, according to Sports Business Journal.

Employees have until Monday, the end of the Jets’ and the NFL’s fiscal year, to either accept or forgo the offer.

Woody Johnson, primary owner of the New York Jets, is shown, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park.
Woody Johnson, primary owner of the New York Jets, is shown, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park. Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

For most senior employees, the offer includes more than 18 months of full salary and health insurance if they decide to leave. Employees with 20 or more years with the franchise — which includes all vice presidents and above by тιтle — were offered 80 weeks of pay and health insurance, and their 2024 bonus.

Staffers with 10-20 years of experience were offered three weeks of pay for every year of service, plus their health insurance premium for that period, and their 2024 bonus.

Employees with fewer than 10 years of experience received two weeks of pay for every year of service, plus a sum equivalent to their 2024 bonus.

Speaking at the NFL’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., Jets owner Woody Johnson explained that the buyouts were not for financial reasons and there will not be layoffs.

Instead, management hopes employees reflect on their long-term career goals and personal interests, and whether they align within the franchise’s.

“That’s something that we thought was consistent with changing culture, giving everybody a chance to go in a different direction if they wanted, seek other opportunities, but also to move the whole organization forward in maybe a new and slightly different way,” Johnson said.

New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson is shown at a press conference with his new general manager, Darren Mougey and new head coach, Aaron Glenn, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park.
New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson is shown at a press conference with his new general manager, Darren Mougey and new head coach, Aaron Glenn, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park. Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Johnson pointed to the changes inside the team this offseason as an impetus for this organizational restructure. The team hired Darren Mougey as general manager and Aaron Glenn as head coach in January. They also released veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and signed Justin Fields in free agency to take over the quarterback spot.

“We’re in a major transition in terms of culture and the way we do things,” Johnson said. “We haven’t really made major changes in the organization itself in years, decades. So, we thought that this was a good time to give everybody an opportunity to reevaluate what they’re doing in their lives and the plan we’re going to. We want people who are all in, 100 percent to what the plan is with [Glenn and Mougey] on the football side. They have to be on the business side exactly the same, and they have to be together to serve our public, serve our players in a much more innovative way than we have.”

Those employees were sent offers after the Jets recently completed “comprehensive study” of the organization and growth priorities, a spokesperson told SBJ.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia. AP

“The exercise has identified opportunities to operate, align, and innovate more effectively,” the spokesperson said. “As we position ourselves for this future growth, we felt it was essential to provide our employees with the opportunity to make an informed, autonomous decision about their careers given the direction of the company.”

The Jets’ 14-year playoff drought is the longest in all of the major North American sports.

— Additional reporting by Brian Costello in Palm Beach, Fla.

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