National Football League

Jets owner's right-hand man Matt Higgins resigns

Published Jan. 17, 2012 11:36 a.m. ET

foxsports

Matt Higgins, Jets owner Woody Johnson's right-hand man, has resigned from his role as the team's executive vice president of business operations to explore ''some entrepreneurial opportunities.''

The 37-year-old Higgins says Tuesday that he spoke to Johnson near the end of the season to tell him he would be moving on after eight years in four different positions with the team. Higgins says it was ''completely my decision.'' He was a key force behind the Jets building a new stadium and facility, as well as the team's use of social media.

Bob Parente, the team's senior vice president of programming and media production, will assume Higgins' role on an interim basis while the Jets search for his replacement. Parente will be a candidate for the job.