The Jets are bringing back one of their own.
Aaron Glenn was hired to be their 19th full-time head coach on Wednesday. Glenn, who was the Jets’ first-round draft choice in 1994 and played eight seasons for the team, spent the past four years as the Lions defensive coordinator.
The Jets zeroed in on Glenn during an extensive search for a head coaching candidate that saw them interview 16 different people.
Glenn, 52, emerged as the favorite to get the job after Mike Vrabel decided to take the Patriots job.
“I’m excited to welcome Aaron Glenn home as the head coach of the New York Jets,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. “Aaron earned this opportunity through almost three decades of NFL experience — ten with us as a player and a scout. He brings tremendous leadership skills and the vision this organization needs to be successful. I am thrilled to see him lead this team.”
Glenn interviewed for a second time with the Jets on Tuesday in Florham Park for about seven hours and then returned home to Detroit to sleep on the decision before agreeing to the deal Wednesday.
It is a five-year deal, a source said. His salary is not known.
The Saints were also interested in interviewing Glenn a second time for their head coach opening, but Glenn never made it to New Orleans, choosing the Jets instead.
“This place is special for me,” Glenn said in a statement. “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. 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.”
The Jets entered their coaching search looking for someone who could be a leader. They prioritized leadership ability over someone who is a great play-caller or offensive scheme whiz kid.
The Jets had interviewed Glenn in 2021 when they hired Robert Saleh and came away impressed then.
They interviewed him again virtually on Jan. 9 and then again Tuesday after the Lions were shocked by the Commanders in a 45-31 playoff loss.
The Jets felt Glenn’s energy and came away impressed with his vision for the organization as it tries to snap a 14-year playoff drought.
The team’s decision-makers felt that Glenn had a confidence that will translate to the Jets players. He played 15 seasons in the NFL after the Jets drafted him No. 12 overall in 1994.
Despite being only 5-foot-9, Glenn made himself into a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback.
He then joined the Jets in 2012 as a scout, spending two years with the team, before working his way up the coaching ladder.
He started as a low-level coach with the Browns, a position coach with the Saints and then the defensive coordinator with the Lions, where he was part of turning that franchise around.
Glenn’s roots with the Jets also played a role in the team choosing him.
Glenn’s first choice was the Jets and the team felt he did not just want any head coaching job, he actually wanted the Jets job.
Glenn was one of the top candidates in this hiring cycle, getting interviews with the Jets, Saints, Jaguars, Raiders and Bears. He declined a request from the Patriots.
Now, all eyes will turn to who the Jets hire as GM. Glenn surely will now be involved in that process. Glenn also must assemble a staff, and who he chooses as offensive coordinator will be the most scrutinized decision.
The Jets head coaching job is not easy. The past three head coaches failed to make the playoffs and had one winning season between them.
Bill Parcells, who is one of Glenn’s mentors, is the last Jets coach to leave with a winning record after coaching at least two seasons for the team.
Glenn replaces Robert Saleh, who was fired five games into the disappointing 2024 season.
The Jets finished 5-12 and have a major question at quarterback, where Glenn and the new GM must decide whether to bring back Aaron Rodgers.
Glenn was a player in 1997 when the Jets went from a 1-15 team the year before to 9-7 in Parcells’ first year. The team is now hoping he can lead another franchise turnaround.
