EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The New York Jets didn't wait long to find their next leader. Just days after parting ways with Robert Saleh, the franchise has hired Aaron Glenn as the new head coach, ushering in a new era in East Rutherford with hopes of sustained success and stronger locker room unity.
Glenn, 52, is no stranger to the organization or the city. He played eight seasons with the Jets from 1994 to 2001 and becomes the rare former player to return as the franchise's head coach. In his opening press conference, Glenn spoke emotionally about his journey, his values, and what fans and players alike can expect from his leadership.
"You're going to see someone who works from 4:00 in the morning until the job is done," Glenn said. "My dad instilled that in me, and I bring that work ethic into this building starting today."
He also spoke at length about his family, thanking his wife of 28 years, his three children, and his late father, all of whom shaped the leader he is today. Glenn's football pedigree runs deep: in addition to his own career, his brother Jason also played for the Jets, and he's studied under some of the league's most respected coaches, including Bill Parcells, Al Groh, Sean Payton, and, most recently, Dan Campbell in Detroit.
Built for This Moment
What sets Glenn apart from other candidates is his authenticity and his experience at every level of the sport, as a player, scout, position coach, coordinator, and now head coach.
"There's nothing better than having your start here," Glenn said. "Here's a player. Here's a scout. And now here's a head coach."
League sources say the Jets were drawn to Glenn's presence and ability to connect with both players and ownership. His passion was on full display throughout his press conference, as was his commitment to building something sustainable.
"We are a football family. We love it, we sleep it, we breathe it - and that won't change," Glenn said.
He referenced his time with the Saints and Lions as examples of building winning cultures, emphasizing that he knows how to both reach the top and maintain success over time. That kind of mindset will be crucial in the AFC East, where Glenn now joins Mike Vrabel (Patriots) as the second newly hired coach in the division.
Moving Forward Without Rodgers
While much of the offseason buzz has surrounded Aaron Rodgers’ departure to Pittsburgh, Glenn made it clear he's focused solely on the players who are here now, not the ones who left.
"Aaron Rodgers will be talked about," Glenn acknowledged. "We've already texted, had communication."
Though Rodgers took time away from football in Season 32 and ultimately signed with the Steelers this offseason, Glenn showed no signs of dwelling on what could've been. Instead, his message was clear: the Jets are ready to write a new chapter.
With Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and a top-5 defense already in place, Glenn takes over a roster that's built to win now, even without the future Hall of Fame quarterback under center.
"Put your seatbelts on and get ready for the ride," Glenn said, locking eyes with reporters. "There are going to be challenges, but with challenges come opportunity."
Looking Ahead
Glenn becomes the first former Jets player to lead the team since Herm Edwards. While expectations will be high following a 15-2 season and back-to-back division titles, Glenn didn't shy away from the pressure. In fact, he embraced it.
"I wanted this job. I told myself, I'm not leaving the building without shaking Woody's hand and making it official."
The 2K Online Franchise league now turns its attention to training camp and the preseason. With two new coaches in the AFC East and a wide-open playoff race ahead, Glenn’s debut is one of the league's most anticipated storylines heading into Season 33.
