There have been plenty of mentors who impacted the career of New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. As a player, he was led by some of the top coaches in football, including Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, and Vic Fangio.

As a coach, others like Sean Payton and Dan Campbell left important marks as Glenn continued to rise through the ranks.

Since he’s been hired as the head coach of the Jets in January, Glenn has used his connections to be prepared for any situation to begin his career.

Heading into a Week 3 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Glenn is preparing for a contest against another one of his mentors in the game – one that has held a special place in his heart.

Personal showdown for Glenn, Jets

Jets fans know all about Todd Bowles, who served as the team’s head coach from 2015 to 2018. The current Buccaneers head coach coached Glenn as New York’s secondary coach in 2000 and later coached Glenn in the same role with the Dallas Cowboys.

Glenn’s relationship with Bowles continues to be strong to this day. It’s why he’s valuing this upcoming matchup in Tampa Bay on a personal level.

“This is a personal game for me from the aspect of, I know Todd Bowles on a level that is unlike a lot of coaches relationships I have in this league,” Glenn said before practice on Wednesday. “He was my coach from two different teams: here, with the Jets, and with the Cowboys. So, I’ve leaned on him quite a bit throughout my coaching process, and he’s been a really good friend. So, when I say personal, that’s where that comes from.”

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Coaching connections matter in the NFL. After years as an assistant, Glenn has been given an opportunity to lead the team he was once a first-round pick and Pro Bowler for.

While his relationship with his former position coach comes to the forefront on Sunday, Glenn knows a win could go a long way for both his personal career and to his mentor.

“We’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be a tough battle. I know how that team operates,” Glenn said. “I know how he operates. But again, our mindset is to go down there and win a game in Tampa.”

Bowles and Glenn will connected with each other for years after they leave the game as coaches.

On Sunday, they’ll get a chance to pit their teams against one another in what is a must-win contest for the Jets.

Reporting from the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, NJ.