The Jets named their head coach on Wednesday, hiring Aaron Glenn as the 19th head coach in team history.
Glenn, the team’s first-round pick in 1994, takes over the team in search of a spark after nine consecutive losing seasons. Will he provide it? Time will tell.
Here are some questions and answers regarding Glenn’s employment.
Q: What appealed to Glenn to the Jets?
A: In one word: leadership. The Jets’ search wasn’t about finding the best coach in the NFL. They were looking for someone who demonstrated confidence and exuded leadership qualities. The Jets feel that way with Glenn. They also liked his history with the team. He has been with the franchise for eight years and knows the market well. This isn’t just Glenn jumping at his first head coaching job. This is where his roots lie.
Q: Why did Glenn choose the Jets?
A: The Saints were also very interested in Glenn, but he was unable to travel to New Orleans for a second interview. Glenn will have to answer this question himself at his inaugural press conference, but he has been telling people in recent weeks that the Jets are his first choice. You have to think that his history with the organization and solid core of young stars made the Jets an attractive destination for him.
Q: What does this mean for Aaron Rodgers?
A: We don’t know yet, and we probably won’t know for a few weeks. The new general manager will also have a say in this decision. Glenn will likely meet or at least talk with Rodgers to gauge his interest in returning for the 2025 season and get a feel for whether they can work together.
Q: Who will be his offensive coordinator?
A: Glenn has a background as a defensive coach, so being named offensive coordinator will be his biggest hire. It’s unclear who the favorites are, but league sources say Rams tight ends coach Nick Keary and Scott Turner, who most recently served as interim offensive coordinator for the Raiders, have been offered the job. It is said that it is increasing. Saints offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak and Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell have also been reported as possibilities.
Q: How can we improve our defense?
A: The Jets defense took a step back last season, especially after Robert Saleh was fired. Glenn should bring a change to the defensive scheme. Glenn often plays man-to-man and had the Lions’ second-highest blitz rate this season. That’s a far cry from how the Jets operated under Saleh and former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Q: Does Glenn choose the GM?
A: Glenn is expected to be involved in the selection process for a new general manager once he takes over, but the Jets won’t just leave the decision up to him. Jets owner Woody Johnson will make the final decision, and the team has already interviewed 15 candidates. However, whether Glenn is happy with the GM will be a factor in the decision.
Q: Has the Jets coach ever been a former Jets player?
A: Not as much as Glenn. However, Walt Michaels appeared in one game in an emergency situation in 1963 when he was an assistant coach. He was then appointed head coach in 1977.
