The New York Jets named Hightstown, N.J., native Mike Maccagnan their new general manager on Tuesday.

“We interviewed a number of impressive, qualified candidates, but Mike Maccagnan clearly stood out,” said Jets Chairman & CEO Woody Johnson. “Mike’s attention to detail, strong personnel background and collaborative approach to evaluating players made it clear that he is the right choice to be the next general manager of the New York Jets.”

Maccagnan started with the Houston Texans in 2000 as the coordinator of college scouting. In 2010, he was promoted to the assistant director of college scouting before being named the director of college scouting in 2011.

Maccagnan was part of a scouting team that added Pro Bowl players to the Texans roster via the draft or as undrafted rookie free agents.

“In my line of work, having the chance to serve as a general manager is what you work towards your entire career,” Maccagnan said. “Having a supportive owner who is passionate and committed to delivering a winning team to the fans is one of the keys to building a successful organization. I have enjoyed getting to know Mr. Johnson during the interview process and am grateful to him for this opportunity.

Maccagnan has been involved with professional football in some capacity since taking a job as a scouting department intern for the Redskins in 1990. He then spent six seasons with the Redskins in a full-time role, first as a college scout (1994) and then as a pro scout (1995-99). Before Washington, he served as the director of scouting for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL (1994), and the director of scouting and director of player personnel for the Ottawa Rough Riders (1993).