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The New York Jets have announced the hiring of Rick Spielman as Senior Football Advisor and Robbie Paton as Co-Director of Player Personnel, signaling a strategic move to bolster their football operations department.
Rick Spielman Returns as Senior Football Advisor
Rick Spielman, a seasoned football executive, is rejoining the Jets after having played a key role in the hiring processes that brought Head Coach Aaron Glenn and General Manager Darren Mougey to the organization. Spielman previously worked alongside Mike Tannenbaum at The 33rd Team, providing advisory support to Jets Chairman Woody Johnson. Now stepping into a full-time role, Spielman will assist in the restructuring of the team’s football operations under the leadership of General Manager Darren Mougey.
“I’m excited to help in any way I can with Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, the new general manager,” Spielman said on the “With the First Pick” podcast last week. “My biggest project right now is to help rebuild the football operations side of things. It’s an honor and privilege that they called me to be part of the changes moving forward.”
Spielman brings a wealth of experience, particularly from his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, where he served as Vice President of Player Personnel from 2006 to 2011 and General Manager from 2012 to 2021. Under his leadership, the Vikings made significant strides, including two NFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2017. Spielman also oversaw the drafting of star players such as wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs, and Sidney Rice, running backs Adrian Peterson and Dalvin Cook, and defensive stars like linebacker Eric Kendricks and defensive end Danielle Hunter.
Spielman’s NFL journey began as a scout with the Detroit Lions in 1990, where he gained experience in both college and pro scouting. His career later took him to the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, where he served in various personnel roles, including General Manager from 2004 to 2005. His leadership helped the Dolphins reach the playoffs three times during his tenure.
Robbie Paton Named Co-Director of Player Personnel
Robbie Paton, a rising star in NFL scouting circles, has joined the Jets as Co-Director of Player Personnel. Paton, who most recently served as a National Scout for the Denver Broncos, brings eight years of experience with the organization. He initially joined Denver as a personnel intern in 2017 and quickly advanced through the ranks, taking on roles such as scouting assistant, college/pro scout, and regional scout. In 2024, his responsibilities included evaluating college prospects, focusing on the Southeast region and top talent nationwide.
A graduate of UC San Diego, Paton began his college career as a safety at UCLA before transferring to the University of San Diego. He returned to UCLA as a scouting analyst from 2015-16 and played a significant role in the Bruins’ recruiting efforts. Paton also served as a defensive backs coach at Loyola High School in Los Angeles during the 2014 season.
Paton’s connection to the Broncos extends to his uncle, George Paton, the current Denver General Manager. Additionally, Paton shares a relationship with Jets General Manager Darren Mougey, who previously worked with Denver’s personnel department. Furthermore, Paton has a longstanding familiarity with Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, having worked with him at UC San Diego during their time there.
These new appointments reflect the Jets’ continued commitment to strengthening their football operations and reshaping the franchise’s future.
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