New York Jets hiring Aaron Glenn as new head coach

The New York Jets have their man. The franchise is hiring Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their next head coach, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Wednesday.

New York is moving into a new era after firing head coach Robert Saleh five games into the 2024 season and then parting ways with general manager Joe Douglas in November. Glenn is the third Lions assistant to take a new job this hiring cycle. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is now head coach of the Chicago Bears, while defensive line coach Terrell Williams is the new defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.

The Jets launched a wide-ranging head coaching search before landing on Glenn. His career has now come full circle, as the former defensive back was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft. Glenn’s first NFL coaching job came with the Jets in 2012 as a personnel scout.

Now, more questions remain but none more pressing than that of quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ future in New York. The Jets acquired the four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion from the Green Bay Packers in March 2023, and the expectation was that Rodgers would help New York snap its playoff-less streak going back to 2010 and compete for Lombardi Trophies.

Jets have their head coach in Aaron Glenn, now await decision from Aaron Rodgers

A torn Achilles four plays into the 2023 season derailed those plans, and the Jets finished 5-12 this season. Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 63.0% passing with a 90.5 passer rating.

Moving on from the 41-year-old — whether by choice or if he retires — will cost the Jets a pretty penny. Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, New York has a $49 million dead charge if Rodgers doesn’t play for them next season. If Rodgers does return, the Jets are required to pay him a $35 million option bonus by the first regular season game in addition to a $2.5 million base salary. 

Rodgers recently said on “The Pat McAfee Show” he would make a decision once the Jets found a new head coach and general manager.

“I told them I’m going to take some time,” Rodgers said. “They haven’t made a decision on a GM or a coach yet. Once that happens, that will take us to the next step which is a conversation I’m assuming with whoever that individual is. But this is a time where I’m taking time for my body and my mind to clear things.”

Well, that conversation can now take place with Glenn’s arrival in New York.