The Jets made their head coach move Wednesday, hiring Aaron Glenn as the 19th head coach in team history.
Glenn, who was the team’s first-round draft pick in 1994, takes over a franchise desperate for a spark after a ninth straight losing season. Can he provide it? Time will tell.
Here are some questions and answers about hiring Glenn:
Q: What attracted the Jets to Glenn?
A: One word: leadership. The Jets did not set out to find the best schematic coach in the NFL in this search. They were looking for someone who projected confidence and exuded leadership qualities. The Jets feel like they have that with Glenn. They also liked his history with the team. He played eight years for the franchise and knows the market. It’s not just about Glenn jumping into the first head coaching job that comes his way. This is where he has roots.
Q: Why did Glenn choose the Jets?
A: The Saints were also very interested in Glenn, but he did not travel to New Orleans for a second interview. Glenn will have to answer that question himself during his introductory press conference, but he had been telling people in recent weeks that the Jets were his first choice. You have to think his history within the organization and a strong core of young stars made the Jets an attractive destination for him.
Q: What does this mean for Aaron Rodgers?
A: This remains to be seen and will probably not be known for a few weeks. The new general manager will also have a say in this decision. Glenn will likely meet or at least speak with Rodgers to gauge his interest in returning for the 2025 season and get a sense of their ability to work together.
Q: Who will be his offensive coordinator?
A: With Glenn’s experience as a defensive coach, his choice of offensive coordinator becomes his biggest hire. It’s unclear who the favorite is, but league sources said Rams tight ends coach Nick Caley and Scott Turner, who was most recently the Raiders’ interim offensive coordinator, are in the running. for the position. Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell were also reported to be possibilities.
Q: How can he improve defense?
A: The Jets defense took a step back last season, especially after Robert Saleh was fired. Glenn should make changes to the defense system. Glenn plays a lot of man-to-man and had the second-highest blitz rate this season with the Lions. That’s very different from how the Jets operated under Saleh and former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Q: Does Glenn choose the general manager?
A: Glenn should be part of the selection process for the new general manager now that he’s been hired, but the Jets aren’t just going to hand the decision over to him. Jets owner Woody Johnson will make the final decision and the team has already interviewed 15 candidates. But Glenn’s comfort with the general manager will be a factor in the decision.
Q: Has a Jets coach ever been a former Jets player?
A: Not to the extent that Glenn was. But Walt Michaels played one game in 1963 in an emergency while he was an assistant coach. He then became head coach in 1977.
