FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — On his journey from low-level scout to highly coveted coordinator, Aaron Glenn told friends his “dream job” was coaching the New York Jets, the franchise that turned him into a first round pick in 1994.
It became a reality on Wednesday, when Glenn (most recently defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions) was hired as the 19th non-interim head coach in Jets history.
Terms of the deal were not announced, but sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Glenn received a five-year contract, tying him to the Jets through 2029.
“I am excited to welcome Aaron Glenn home as head coach of the New York Jets,” said team president Woody Johnson. “Aaron earned this opportunity through nearly three decades of experience in the NFL, 10 with us as a player and scout. He brings tremendous leadership skills and the vision this organization needs to be successful. I am excited to see him lead this team.” .
The Jets are still looking to hire a general manager. They conducted an in-person interview with former Lions executive Lance Newmark, the only known candidate to have a second interview. Newmark, assistant general manager of the Washington Commanders in 2024, coincided with Glenn in Detroit from 2021 to 2023.
Cincinnati Bengals top personnel executive Trey Brown and Denver Broncos assistant general manager Darren Mougey will also have a second interview, sources said.
The Jets crave stability and success. They are coming off their 14th consecutive season outside the playoffs, the longest active drought in the four major men’s sports leagues in the United States. The Jets will try to bounce back from a season filled with upheaval that included the firings of coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
Due to the Lions’ upset loss to the Commanders in the NFC divisional playoffs, Glenn was available earlier than expected. Without wasting much time, the Jets invited him for an in-person interview on Tuesday, 12 days after his virtual meeting with team officials.
Glenn spent seven hours at the facility and returned to his Detroit home Tuesday night as talks continued. The New Orleans Saints also showed great interest. He finished his playing career in New Orleans and then became the secondary coach under Sean Payton.
“This place is special to me,” Glenn said. “From the moment I was drafted and practiced on Long Island, to the moment I returned as a scout to New Jersey, this organization has always felt like home to me. I am grateful to Mr. Johnson for this opportunity. To our players, “Prepare to be trained with everything we have. That is our responsibility. I ask that we share the same vision and that is to work to win a championship, in short, expect a winning team that you are proud of.”
Glenn, 52, a disciple of Bill Parcells, joins the late Walt Michaels as the only two players in Jets history to coach the team. Michaels played one game as a player-coach in 1963 before becoming head coach in 1977. Glenn played for the Jets from 1994 to 2001, making two Pro Bowls.
Parcells said he expects Glenn to handle the pressure from New York well.
“I think Aaron is going to be himself,” the Hall of Fame coach told ESPN. “He’s very direct. He’s a very sincere guy. I don’t think that’s a problem, I really don’t. I think he’ll just be Aaron Glenn, and I think that’ll be fine. He’s a very honest person. “I have a lot of respect for him, really.”
Glenn was involved in one of the most infamous plays in team history: Dan Marino’s fake spike in 1994. He was the cornerback who was beaten on Marino’s last-second touchdown pass. No one blamed Glenn; in fact, he was one of the few players who did not fall for Marino’s sleight of hand.
After 15 seasons as a player, on five different teams, Glenn returned to the Jets as a scout in 2012-13. He transitioned into coaching, working as an assistant with the Cleveland Browns and Saints before landing in Detroit as Dan Campbell’s defensive coordinator in 2021.
Glenn inherited the 32nd-ranked scoring defense. Under his direction, the Lions improved to the No. 7 seed in 2024 despite a litany of injuries. Their dream season ended with a thud, as Glenn’s defense was outmatched in a 45-31 playoff loss to the Commanders.
Parcells, who speaks regularly with Glenn, praised him for paying his dues.
“I know he’s done a tremendous, diligent job preparing himself to be a professional coach,” Parcells said. “He worked hard over the years. He started in scouting, which is a very good starting point, and learned about personnel acquisition, prototyping and things like that. He knows all that.”
Glenn’s new challenge is enormous.
None of the six coaches who preceded Glenn finished with a winning record. The last three (Saleh, Adam Gase and Todd Bowles) managed just one winning season between them. ESPN analyst Rex Ryan, one of 16 interviewed for the position, was the last coach to reach the playoffs (2010).
Glenn inherits a team that is 5-12, but has several talented players in their prime. One of their biggest decisions will be that of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 41, who is undecided about his future and is eager to meet with team officials to discuss his plans.
If they let Rodgers go, or if he decides to retire, Glenn and the new GM will have to make a move for a quarterback because all they have on the roster is backup Tyrod Taylor and 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis. who missed his rookie year due to injury.
Glenn must also resolve the wide receiver situation. Garrett Wilson is coming off a career year, but he was frustrated all season and could ask for a trade or demand a contract extension. Former All-Pro Davante Adams was a productive midseason addition, but his remaining contract (two years, $72.5 million) needs to be renegotiated. Otherwise, he will be released because the salary cap under his current contract is prohibitive.
The Jets own the seventh pick in the draft and have a total of eight picks, but only have $25 million in cap space, according to the Roster Management System. They have 23 unrestricted free agents, including six starters. Creative cap management will be needed to improve the roster under these restrictions.
Glenn is the second Lions coordinator to leave the team for a chance to be a head coach this week. The Chicago Bears on Tuesday named Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson their new head coach.