Few coaches in NFL history have had the kind of disastrous season that Aaron Glenn had in 2025.
Hired to change the culture of the franchise, Glenn brought more of the same to the franchise: inconsistency, incompetence, and a 3-14 record. Even with plenty of resources to improve the team in the upcoming offseason, few fans truly believe Glenn is capable of turning the organization around.
However, not everyone in the organization agrees with the fanbase.
During locker room cleanout day, several veterans came to the defense of their head coach and fully supported his plan for the future.
Veterans back Jets’ coach
Arguably, the biggest challenge facing Glenn this season was inconsistent expectations set out by the fanbase, at least according to defensive tackle Harrison Phillips.
“‘I’m believing in the head football coach, the general manager, the people that are putting in place,” Phillips said. “This was year one, it’s a fairly tough task to say it’s playoffs or bust, I don’t think that’s fair.”
Phillips wasn’t the only player who came to the defense of Glenn. Starting left guard John Simpson, a pending free agent this offseason, said he would be “honored” to re-sign with the team in the offseason.
A big reason why? Glenn’s overall message to the team.
“His message is clear,” Simpson said. “I want to be a part of something like that. I want to help this program get off its feet. And that’s the reason they brought me in the first place.”
New York will not be firing Glenn this offseason. They are prepared to let him see his plan through for at least another season. The fact that he has earned the trust and respect of players in the trenches is important.
But it also shows that he has a ways to go to earn back the trust across the board elsewhere.
Obvious omissions
Glenn has received the backing of several prominent starters on both the offensive and defensive lines. That is important and cannot be overlooked in the slightest as he tries to rebuild the Jets.
But obvious omissions are left out.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, the two best offensive players on the Jets over the last three seasons, were not available for comment during locker room cleanout day.
That means we don’t know what they truly feel about the current regime in Florham Park. Wilson signed a long-term extension in the summer. He’s stuck with the team for the future.
Hall isn’t, though. The running back just recorded his first 1,000-yard season and is set to be a free agent this offseason. While New York could look to bring back the former second-round pick, there’s no guarantee that Hall would be as welcoming.
Hall’s latest public comments came through a tweet in which he seemingly poked at the Jets (and Glenn) for their decision not to keep Aaron Rodgers.
Glenn’s image has taken a significant hit with the current Jets fan base. While many top veterans on the roster still believe in the coach, he has a long way to go to prove himself worthy of the position he currently holds.
