It’s a story three decades in the making. After being drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 1994 draft, Aaron Glenn quickly became a Pro Bowl cornerback on a rebuilding team.

Over 30 years later, Glenn is making his debut with New York once again. Only this time, it’s as the organization’s head coach.

Glenn’s NFL career has come full circle as a player, scout, defensive coach, and now taking the top job. As he prepares for his debut with the Jets on Sunday, it’s something that the 53-year-old is excited to be a part of.

Glenn set to come full circle

For 14 years, the Jets have been known as one of the worst teams in the NFL. Dysfunction from the front office, missed draft picks, and odd coaching decisions have been constant themes for the team during that same time.

Those are themes that Glenn is trying to change.

Speaking to reporters before Friday’s practice, Glenn shared just how special a moment Sunday will be – leading the team he was a draft pick for decades prior.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Glenn said. “I’m just looking forward to getting the chance to go and play. It’s regular season now, and I’m looking forward to coaching my [expletive] off on the sideline.

“I’m looking forward to that, and it’s going to feel good, I know that.”

Glenn’s passion and love for the Jets have been apparent since he was hired back in January. He was a commodity among many teams looking for a quality head coach candidate during the cycle.

Instead of pursuing teams like the New England Patriots or Jacksonville Jaguars, which have better quarterback answers than New York, he chose to push for the Jets job.

He wanted the Jets – there aren’t many players or coaches who can say that.

It’s why his mindset is unlike anything the organization has seen before – especially with the excitement of a first game.

“I’m going to sleep. I have to sleep. There’s going to be a ton of, just like the little
detail things that I feel like I have to make sure I get myself ready for,” Glenn said. “I was always told that the last four minutes of the half, the last four minutes of the game, belong to the head coach.

“What I’ve been doing a lot of is really looking at that part of the game and start putting myself in the game and what decisions I will make in that aspect.”

One of the key things that has helped Glenn stand out in his first offseason and camp with the organization has been his push for preparation. New York’s coaching staff wants to be a key reason why the Jets finish above .500 and end their playoff drought.

His preparation should serve him well when the Jets take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Thirty-one years ago, Glenn took the field in his first season as a cornerback for the Jets. He helped the team reach a 23-3 win over the rival Buffalo Bills to open the season.

He’s looking for a similar result on Sunday.