Aaron Glenn has done this before, perhaps in a smaller capacity.
Thirty-one years ago, he was drafted by the New York Jets and quickly became the focal point of a defense that helped turn around a franchise from a miserable 1-15 in 1996 to an AFC Championship Game appearance two years later.
Now, the former cornerback has his first NFL head coaching job, tasked with turning around the very same franchise that has seemingly been stuck in the same bog as it has been for the last 25 years.
Does it feel the same?
“You know what, that’s really hard to tell until I get up that Sunday and really see how I’m going to feel,” Glenn said. “I just knew, back then, I was matched up against [Hall-of-Fame wide receiver] Andre Reed, so that’s a tale in itself of going up against a player like that. And plus, Buffalo, in general, just the way that team was built, I mean, that was an outstanding team personnel-wise, and then understanding exactly how they operate. So, I was nervous, I know I was, and I’m sure I’ll be nervous for this one. And that’s just who I am. I’ll always have that within my body, and I can feel it. But at some point, man, it goes away really, really, really quick, and I get dialed into what I have to do as a coach, I know, and as I did as a player.”
Glenn, alongside first-year general manager Darren Mougey, is attempting to crack the code that has seen many before fail to figure out. The Jets have not made the playoffs in 15 years, have had a winning record just once during that stretch, and have finished last in the AFC East six times in the last nine seasons.
This is not going to happen overnight, but Glenn has attempted to instill a winning culture within Gang Green’s ranks, which is predicated on bringing in the right people.
Tanner Engstrad oversaw the Detroit Lions’ potent passing game last season. As the offensive coordinator, he’ll call the plays in New York.
He will also have to help maximize the talents of quarterback Justin Fields, the organization’s latest project, whom they hope will become the franchise quarterback of the future.
Fields, who could not stick with the Chicago Bears or Pittsburgh Steelers, will have superstar wide receiver Garrett Wilson and a three-headed rushing attack to lean on.
Steve Wilks, the defensive coordinator, is entering his 17th year as an NFL coach. He most recently led the defense of the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 to an NFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance.
New York’s defense has not necessarily been the problem in recent years. They have the personnel to be one of the more solid units in the NFL once again. But they need the support from their offense to ensure they get their time off the field rather than being ground down as they were so many times last season.
Baby steps, first, though.
“I want to be a team where the fans will look and say we’re proud of that team,” Glenn said. “And if they say that, I’ll be happy. I’ll be happy, because within that, I know that wins will come.”
