WATCH: Why Bears' Champ Kelly would be perfect right-hand man to Jets GM Joe Douglas
ESPN's Todd McShay and the Eagles' Andy Weidl are off the market but the person best suited as the right-hand man for Jets GM Joe Douglas is still in the running.
Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly is a "prominent candidate" for the position according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Considering the fact that Kelly was a finalist for the Jets GM job, landing him as the No. 2 man in the front office would be an amazing hire. Kelly is expected to eventually earn a GM position in the league, so nabbing the up-and-comer would be a forward-thinking approach by Douglas and the Jets.
Another positive factor towards Kelly's candidacy is familiarity. This would be a reunion for Kelly with Douglas and Jets coach Adam Gase, whom he worked alongside with the Bears in 2015. The fact that all three men already have a comfort level with each other would make this a seamless transition.
Much like Douglas, Kelly has an eye for talent. Kelly began his career with the Broncos, eventually being promoted to assistant director of pro personnel for his final five years (2010-2014). In that time, the Broncos captured four division titles and signed eight players who were Pro Bowl selections.
There's many viable candidates in the league for Douglas to select from in the event that Kelly decides against joining Gang Green. However, Kelly is far and away the most qualified suitor to be Douglas' right-hand man. The Jets came away impressed with Kelly during the GM interview process, so it's highly possible he would've been offered the job if Douglas didn't take it.
A Big 3 of Douglas, Gase and Kelly would be a dream scenario for the Jets as they aim to take flight into a new era of dominance for the franchise.
