The New York Jets have made a bold move by appointing Aaron Glenn as their new head coach, replacing Robert Saleh. Glenn, a former Jets player and respected defensive coordinator, now faces the daunting task of turning around a struggling franchise.
The Jets are coming off a rough 5-12 season, dealing with uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers and carrying the weight of the NFL’s longest playoff drought. But will Glenn be the one to break the cycle? Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers from this hiring.
Biggest Winners of the Aaron Glenn Hiring
1. New York Jets
The Jets needed a fresh start after a disappointing season, and landing Glenn is a step in the right direction. Unlike some of their past coaching hires, Glenn is well-respected and has experience in building strong defenses. As a former Jet, he understands the franchise’s culture, which could help him connect with players and fans.
2. Aaron Glenn
For Glenn, this is a dream come true. He reportedly considered the Jets job his “dream job” and finally gets his first shot at being a head coach. He previously interviewed for the position in 2021 but was passed over for Robert Saleh. Now, he gets the opportunity to prove himself on the big stage.
3. Jets Defense
The Jets’ defense struggled last season, but there is still a lot of talent on that side of the ball. Glenn has a reputation for getting the most out of his players, and if he can replicate the defensive success he had in Detroit, the Jets could bounce back quickly. Players like Quinnen Williams seem excited about the hiring, as indicated by his “crossed fingers” emoji response on social media.
4. AFC East Rivals
The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots might see this as a good thing—for now. The Jets are undergoing yet another coaching transition, which could mean instability. If Glenn takes time to adjust, it could give their rivals a competitive edge early on.
Biggest Losers of the Aaron Glenn Hiring
1. Detroit Lions
Losing Aaron Glenn is a huge blow for the Lions. He played a key role in making their defense competitive, even with several injuries last season. Now, head coach Dan Campbell has to find a replacement, and rebuilding a strong coaching staff is never easy. The Lions also lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, making their offseason even more challenging.
2. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers’ future with the Jets is still uncertain, and a coaching change doesn’t make things easier. At 41 years old, he may have to learn a new system under Glenn, which might not be an appealing situation. Whether he stays in New York or moves on is a big question mark heading into the 2025 season.
3. New Orleans Saints
The Saints were reportedly interested in Glenn for their head coaching job, but they missed out. Now, they must look elsewhere as the top candidates continue to be hired by other teams. With salary cap issues and roster concerns, the Saints’ head coaching vacancy isn’t exactly the most attractive job on the market.
4. Rex Ryan
Ryan, a former Jets head coach, made it clear he wanted another shot at the job. He even got an interview, but it didn’t go well. The Jets decided to move on, leaving Ryan without an opportunity to return to the sidelines. Instead, he’ll likely continue his career as a TV analyst, where he won’t hesitate to criticize Glenn’s decisions once the season starts.
Can Aaron Glenn Turn the Jets Around?
Aaron Glenn is stepping into a tough situation, but his familiarity with the franchise and leadership skills make him a strong candidate for success. The Jets need stability and a new vision, and Glenn has the potential to provide that. However, challenges remain, including figuring out Aaron Rodgers’ future and rebuilding team morale after another losing season.
If Glenn can quickly establish his coaching philosophy and get the Jets back on track defensively, there’s hope for a brighter future. But as history has shown, success with the Jets isn’t guaranteed. Only time will tell if Glenn is the right man to lead the team to “Gang Green-er” pastures.
