The NFL is always full of surprises. Some teams, like the Patriots, can go from being a dominant dynasty to securing a top-five draft pick in just a few years. Others, like the Commanders, can go from having the second overall draft pick to reaching the NFC Championship in a single season. Then there are teams like the Jets. No matter how much talent they acquire or how much hype surrounds them, they always seem to fall short. This is especially clear this season, where the Jets had two fewer wins with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams than they did with Zach Wilson last season. The Jets problem goes beyond simply adding more talent. Their culture is holding them back, and that’s what Aaron Glenn must address in his first year as their head coach.
For the Jets, getting a head coach who has not only played in the NFL, but a player who was a Jet himself is the best possible outcome in my opinion. Glenn played for the Jets from 1994-2001 and in the seven seasons he played, the Jets only had a winning record three times. Unfortunately, this included the 1996 season where the Jets went just 1-15. Glenn knows from personal experience just how disconnected and inconsistent the Jets organization can be, and that adds to why he is a guy who can rebuild their culture. The Commanders this year were a textbook example of how a positive culture can completely flip a franchise in the right direction, and that’s exactly what the Jets need. I know that some people poked fun at Aaron Glenn’s first press conference for saying, “We’re the freakin’ New York Jets, we’re built for this shit,” but people similarly joked about Lions coach Dan Campbell. Glenn has been part of a losing organization playing for the Jets, and a reborn franchise coaching for the Lions. That experience and knowledge will be crucial for a team that has talent on the roster – but needs someone to help unlock its potential.
Outside the locker room, the biggest question Glenn faces is the quarterback position. With the team planning to move on from Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have a major gap to fill this offseason. To make matters worse, this year’s quarterback class is significantly weaker than in years past. If the Jets want a quarterback in this draft, they will likely need to select a more developmental prospect. In the meantime, a potential move could be acquiring Kirk Cousins as a bridge quarterback. Assuming the Atlanta Falcons part ways with Cousins, he is already guaranteed $40 million next season. Cousins is also coming off a disappointing end to the 2024 season, throwing only one touchdown and nine interceptions in his last five games. If the Jets can sign him without breaking the bank, both sides would win. The Jets would get a veteran quarterback while they search for a long-term solution, and Cousins would play on a team with plenty of talent. If not, the Jets may have to start a young quarterback before they’re ready. Either way, it seems Glenn wants to make his own decision at quarterback after the two-year Rodgers experiment.
Aaron Glenn was widely considered to be one of the top coaching hires this offseason. Having said that, Glenn still faces a challenging journey ahead to lead this team to success, both in terms of talent and culture. Turning the Jets around will require rebuilding the team from the ground up, but if anyone can do it, it’s a former Jet himself.
