On a bright July evening, Aaron Glenn took a walk around the New York Jets’ practice fields. The air was fresh, and the grass was freshly cut. It was a time for him to clear his mind before stepping into his role as the Jets’ head coach. Just days before his first practice, he couldn’t sleep because of excitement. “Just be A.G.,” his wife texted him, a reminder to be himself.
When the season kicked off, he faced a room-full of fans chanting, “J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!” But sadly, six months later, the team ended up with a dismal 3-14 record, facing one of the worst seasons in their history. Glenn saw first-hand the pain of being a Jets fan. This season included devastating losses and significant changes, like trading key players and parting ways with several coaches. He even had to navigate deeply tragic events, including the passing of franchise legend Nick Mangold and the shooting incident involving player Kris Boyd.
Despite the storm, Glenn’s players admired his unwavering spirit. He stuck to his principles, showing determination even when the team was struggling. Reflecting back, Glenn often pointed to his experience with the Detroit Lions, who turned things around after a rough start. “I’ve been there, and I’ve done that,” he said confidently, underscoring his belief that change is possible.
Historical trends, however, paint a tough picture. Since 2000, 23 coaches have finished their first seasons with three wins or fewer. Only four made the playoffs in subsequent years. This puts Glenn in a precarious position. The odds seem stacked against him, with some suggesting he’s more likely to be fired before the 2027 season than to lead the Jets to the playoffs.
Many fans echoed sentiments about the need for a stronger roster. It was clear that the Jets struggled in several areas, especially at quarterback. A player even remarked, “We need more pieces, a lot more pieces.” Missteps were also evident in game management, particularly towards the end of halves, where the Jets were outscored significantly.
Mistakes were made—like Glenn’s decision to keep quarterback Justin Fields, who struggled early in the season. By the time he switched quarterbacks, the season was already lost. Additionally, Glenn’s choice to bring in Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator blew up in his face, resulting in more confusion than clarity on the field.
But through all the chaos, players appreciated Glenn’s communication style. He managed to keep a consistent message throughout the ups and downs of the season, a valuable trait that helped maintain harmony in the locker room. “He’s able to explain to us what’s going on,” one player noted. Glenn’s philosophy focused on building a strong foundation, likening it to constructing a house. However, the Jets struggled to find their footing, with many games lacking the spark of competitiveness.
Despite this tumultuous season, Jets’ owner Woody Johnson remains supportive of Glenn. Known for his unwavering commitment to his hired coaches, Johnson is yet to fire a coach after just one season. He referred to Glenn as “the real deal,” although disappointment simmered beneath the surface as the season closed.
The 2025 season is seen as a critical year for the Jets. Facing a transition, the team aimed to rebuild, but the reality was much harsher than expected. An internal survey showed that many players were frustrated with roster decisions and game management leading to poor execution on the field.
According to ESPN’s recent analysis, Glenn’s approach now hinges on clever drafting and choosing the right players to enhance the Jets’ chances. The journey ahead won’t be easy but offers a chance for growth and redemption.
As Glenn himself stated, “Once the offseason starts, we’re going to work our butts off, and we will remember everything.” His drive reflects a determination to turn things around, despite the uphill battle he faces. The Jets and their fans can only hope for a brighter future.
