The New York Jets have hired Aaron Glenn as their new head coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, bringing a beloved former player back to lead the franchise.
Glenn quickly emerged as the Jets’ top candidate shortly after their search started. The feeling was mutual, as the Jets were reported to be Glenn’s top choice as well.
Glenn has received rave reviews from head coaches Dan Campbell and Sean Payton for his leadership. His connection to the Jets and well-respected reputation as a coach make him a strong choice to guide the team forward.
A familiar face returns
Aaron Glenn’s journey with the Jets started in the 1994 NFL draft. Selected 12th overall out of Texas A&M, Glenn quickly became one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. In eight seasons with the Jets (1994-2001), Glenn made two Pro Bowls (1997-98) and recorded 24 interceptions.
Four years after his playing career ended, Glenn briefly served as the general manager for the Houston Stallions of the Texas Lone Star Football League. A few months later, Glenn joined the Jets as a personnel scout, a role that held from 2012-13.
Now, Glenn returns to the franchise for his third stint.
A promising coaching career
After serving as a scout for the Jets, Glenn transitioned to coaching in 2014. He began as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Cleveland Browns, serving in that role for two seasons (2014-15) before becoming the New Orleans Saints’ defensive backs coach in 2016.
Across five seasons with the Saints (2016-20), Glenn helped rebuild the NFL’s worst pass defense into one of its best. After New Orleans ranked 32nd in pass defense DVOA (per FTN Fantasy) the year before Glenn’s arrival, they ranked 28th, third, 10th, seventh, and second in Glenn’s five seasons.
Glenn aided in the development of players like Marshon Lattimore, Marcus Williams, Vonn Bell, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, forming one of the league’s strongest secondaries by the end of his tenure. The Saints tied for the second-most interceptions in the NFL (63) from 2017-20.
Glenn’s work in New Orleans was impressive enough that the Jets interviewed him to be their head coach before hiring Robert Saleh in 2021.
Instead, Glenn was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Inheriting the NFL’s 32nd-ranked defense based on DVOA, Glenn gradually built the Lions’ defense into a top-five unit. They improved each year under his leadership, climbing to 29th, 27th, 13th, and then all the way up to fifth-best in 2024.
Glenn’s 2024 Lions defense was especially impressive in crucial situations. Detroit allowed the NFL’s lowest third-down conversion rate (32.4%) and second-lowest fourth-down conversion rate (41.4%). They achieved this despite finishing the season with 12 defensive players on injured reserve.
Glenn’s ability to develop talent and energize a locker room makes him an ideal candidate. More than just his leadership, he preaches an aggressive style that the Jets desperately need.
What Glenn brings to the Jets
In Aaron Glenn, the Jets are getting more than just a defensive coordinator. While his leadership and defensive acumen will help a Jets defense that fell off in 2024, it’s not why he’s the head coach.
Glenn spoke to the media last week about how he’s much more than a defensive coordinator.
“You wanna hire me you’re gonna hire a coach, you’re not gonna hire a defensive coach. I’m gonna talk to the offense just as much as I’m gonna talk to the defense,” said Glenn.
In his own words, “I’m a coach, I just happen to be on defense.”
Over the past decade, the Jets have struggled to find stability, cycling through coaches and failing to meet expectations. Glenn’s ability to build relationships and maximize talent offers hope for a turnaround.
This hire should be well received in the Jets locker room as well. Lions players have made it clear they did not want him to leave, and a few Jets players, including Jermaine Johnson and Quinnen Williams, have made it publicly known that they want him as their head coach.
Glenn’s familiarity with the franchise and its fanbase adds another layer of excitement. For Jets fans, Glenn represents a new era—one that values hard work, discipline, and results.
A new era begins
Glenn must now focus on building his coaching staff. He has strong connections from his time under Dan Campbell (Lions) and Sean Payton (Saints). NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Glenn spent the last few days contacting potential assistants to join him.
Various potential assistant coaches have already been linked to Glenn and the Jets. SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that Steve Wilks is a name to watch for as defensive coordinator.
If the #Jets hire Aaron Glenn as head coach, a name I’ve heard associated with him as a defensive coordinator candidate is Steve Wilks.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) January 21, 2025
Long-time assistant with multiple stops as a DC who also has two stints as a head coach. That’s valuable experience for a first timer in…
Hughes also noted Nick Caley and Scott Turner as potential offensive coordinators. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported that Klint Kubiak is in the mix as well.
A name in the mix to be Jets OC for Aaron Glenn (if/when he is named HC):
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 21, 2025
Klint Kubiak.
He’s also in the mix for the Seattle OC job. Spent 2024 calling plays for the Saints.
(In addition to Scott Turner and Nick Caley, as @Connor_J_Hughes said. Will be others considered…
The Jets’ next step is to hire their general manager. Lance Newmark, the assistant general manager for the Commanders, met with the Jets on Tuesday for his second interview.
Newmark, who spent three years with Glenn in Detroit, is the only GM candidate scheduled for a second interview. As with Glenn, it’s likely more of a contract negotiation.
The Aaron Glenn era has begun in Florham Park. And as it begins, here is a preview of the type of man the Jets are bringing in. Appearing on Hard Knocks in 2022, Glenn preached what New York desperately needs.
“Men, I respect you. But, men, it’s time for a change. It’s time for a change for you as players, for this organization, for us as coaches. Man, I’m trying to get something to that’s going to stir you up from the inside that will change exactly who you are as a player… who this organization is, so we can get ready to move forward on this journey.”
