New York Jets players are making it clear who they want to be their head coach.
Quinnen Williams was the first Jets player to publicly endorse a head coaching candidate. Now, Jermaine Johnson has joined him, and the two 2023 Pro Bowl defenders are in agreement.
Williams expressed his preference for Aaron Glenn in an Instagram comment. Johnson echoed Williams’ sentiment on Thursday when he reposted an X post vouching for Glenn as the Jets’ next head coach.
It is no surprise that Williams and Johnson relish the idea of playing for Glenn. The 52-year-old defensive coordinator has led Detroit’s defense to become one of the NFL’s best in 2024 despite countless injuries. He led the unit to year-over-year improvement after inheriting one of the league’s worst defenses in 2021.
Williams and Johnson likely see Glenn as a relatable figure. Glenn knows what it’s like to not only star in New York, but to fight through some difficult times on the road to eventual team success.
Like Williams and Johnson, Glenn made a Pro Bowl with the Jets (two of them). New York also missed the playoffs in each of Glenn’s first four seasons, right in between the streaks of Williams (six seasons) and Johnson (three). But Glenn eventually contributed to two playoff trips in New York, including a march to the 1998 AFC championship game. He can relate to the many young Jets players who have yet to experience winning football despite their talent and production.
Translating talent to victories is the goal for a Jets franchise that entered 2024 with seemingly limitless potential on paper, only to find a familiar ending. Glenn accomplished this in Detroit, helping high draft picks like Terrion Arnold (2024), Jack Campbell (2023), and Aidan Hutchinson (2022) play to the best of their abilities and make winning plays in crucial moments. On top of that, Glenn has admirably guided Detroit through an onslaught of injuries, keeping the back end of the roster prepared to step up.
New York has the right players in place for a quick turnaround if they find the right coach. Perhaps Glenn can be that coach, if Williams and Johnson’s votes are any indication.
