Aaron Glenn breaks silence on his return to New York Jets as head coach: “This place is special for me”

Aaron Glenn has a lot of work to do as the new head coach of the New York Jets as owner Woody Johnson expects the former player to turn the team's fortune.


Aaron Glenn breaks silence on his return to New York Jets as head coach: “This place is special for me”

Aaron Glenn (Image via IMAGO)

The New York Jets drafted Aaron Glenn in 1994, in the first round. He spent eight seasons playing in the Big Apple, going toe to toe with some of the best quarterbacks: Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino, and he made the Pro Bowl three times. He’s now back at his old stomping ground as the head coach, aiming to instill some discipline in the team.

Glenn had four successful years as the defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. The Lions’ defense went from toiling in the bottom echelons of football to one of the best in the league on their way to winning back-to-back NFC North titles.

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Glenn was owner Woody Johnson’s preferred choice ahead of Rex Ryan, Mike McCarthy, or Bill Belichick. After getting his man Johnson congratulated the 52-year-old for his success as a player and then as a coach.

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He brings tremendous leadership skills and the vision this organization needs to be successful. I am thrilled to see him lead this team.

Woody Johnson said.

After making his appointment official, Glenn issued his first statement as Jets head coach.

This place is special for me. From the time I was drafted and practiced on Long Island, to the time I came back as a scout in New Jersey, this organization has always felt like home. I’m thankful to Mr. Johnson for this opportunity.

Aaron Glenn said via The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt.

Will Aaron Rodgers stay following the Jets’ appointment of Aaron Glenn?

The Jets are a very good team on paper despite winning just 5 games in the 2024 season. They have quality players such as Quincy Williams, Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner, and Jermaine Johnson II on defense and Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Allen Lazard on offense.

Aaron Glenn breaks silence on his return to New York Jets as head coach “This place is special for me"
Aaron Glenn (Image via IMAGO)

To our players, prepare to be coached with everything we have. That is our responsibility. I ask that we share the same vision and that’s working towards winning a championship. To our fans, simply put, expect a winning team that you will be proud of.

Aaron Glenn said.

Even players who are out of contract in the offseason sounded excited to hear Glenn’s appointment. DJ Reed was ready to get out of the Jets in December. The star defensive back’s latest Twitter post hinted that he might ask to stay longer.

Glenn is a great look.

DJ Reed wrote.

This only leaves veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose future with the Jets is shrouded in mystery. Rodgers has been surprisingly quiet since the postseason began, but before that, he revealed he discussed with Johnson before taking any decisions about his next step.

Rodgers still has one year left on his contract, but it can be voided, and the Jets have the power to cut him if they wish to. Even though Glenn is now in the building, the Jets don’t have a general manager. Last year, Rodgers’ close buddy Nathaniel Hackett handled the OC responsibilities until Johnson fired him.

Despite the forgetful season, Rodgers performed well, completing 63% of his passes for 3897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. If Johnson, Glenn, and the new GM decide against bringing back Rodgers, then perhaps it’s best to use their 7th pick in the draft to take a quarterback.