Deion Sanders implores Jets not to mess up GM hiring after Louis Riddick interview

It was revealed that ESPN commentator and former NFL executive Louis Riddick was interviewed by the New York Jets’ for the organization’s GM position. They previously fired Joe Douglas from the position in November.

The news of the interview has gained some attention on social media, including that of Colorado head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Coach Prime pleaded with the Jets to not blow the opportunity to hire someone like Riddick.

“Jets Please don’t mess this up and I pray this was a real interview and not that other thang y’all do,” Sanders’ tweet read. “This man deserves a REAL CHANCE! He is knowledge & Class personified! #CoachPrime”

Sanders and Riddick go way back, as the two were teammates and fellow defensive backs on the Atlanta Falcons. Vouching for his former teammate, he believes Riddick is the right man for the job to turn things around in New York.

Since leaving the NFL, he’s been interviewed for general manager positions on seperate occassions by the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his interview with the Jets is his first since 2022.

Riddick has been with ESPN since 2013, but before that he was in the front offices for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. From 2001 to 2004, Riddick was a pro scout for Washington. He was then promoted to director of pro personnel and held the position from 2005 to 2007.

In 2008, Riddick joined the Eagles as a scout before moving to assistant director of pro personnel in 2009. Riddick was then promoted to the Eagles’ director of pro personnel in 2010 and held that role for four seasons.

Whether it’s Riddick or not, the person who will fill the Jets’ open position will have a lot to rebuild. Former GM Joe Douglas never had a winning season in New York in six seasons, and with one game remaining they have 12 losses on their record this season.

They still have a chance to win five games this season if New York can take down the Miami Dolphins at home. The Dolphins are fighting for a playoff spot in Week 18, so they’ll get Miami’s best shot on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.

On3’s Brian Jones contributed to this report.