As the news cycle focuses on the New York Jets’ search for a head coach and general manager, the assistant coaching carousel continues to spin, too.
The Jets have already lost two assistant coaches from their 2024 staff; running backs coach Tony Dews joined Mike Vrabel in New England, while safeties coach Marquand Manuel joined Brian Daboll’s staff with the Giants. Meanwhile, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich was hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator under head coach Raheem Morris.
While many of the Jets’ assistants will likely leave as New York overhauls its regime, it appears the team is interested in retaining two of its most respected assistant coaches. According to Zack Rosenblatt, the Jets have “interest” in “potentially bringing back” Tony Oden (senior defensive assistant and cornerbacks coach) and Aaron Whitecotton (defensive line coach).
Both coaches were added to the Jets’ staff by Robert Saleh in 2021.
Oden has a highly successful track record as a cornerbacks coach. Prior to joining the Jets, he oversaw the development of star cornerbacks like Darius Slay and Xavien Howard, and he continued his success in New York with Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II.
Whitecotton has enjoyed an impressive run as the Jets’ defensive line coach. Inheriting a unit that struggled before his arrival, the Jets’ defensive line ascended to one of the NFL’s top groups from 2022-23. Unheralded players such as Bryce Huff and John Franklin-Myers broke out under Whitecotton’s watch, while talented first-round picks Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson, and Will McDonald have tapped into their potential.
Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn continues to be viewed as the likely choice for New York’s head coaching job. While reports claim Glenn is already targeting candidates to build out his staff, he would be wise to consider retaining two of the Jets’ most respected and successful assistants.
