Aaron Glenn Officially Became The New York Jets Next Head Coach And Might Take Some Detroit Coaches With Him

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches a replay during the first half of the 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

In a major development for the New York Jets, Aaron Glenn is stepping into the head coaching role, showering the franchise with his extensive NFL experience. A figure who’s synonymous with grit and dedication, Glenn’s journey through the NFL ranks makes him the perfect fit to rejuvenate this underperforming team from the grassroots level.

Glenn’s story started right where he’s returning – with the New York Jets, who picked him in the first round of the 1994 draft. After a 15-year run as a cornerback, he switched gears to coaching, kicking off his journey as a scout for the Jets in 2012. Since then, he’s moved upwards – from assistant positions to his most recent role as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. His tenure with successful franchises like the New Orleans Saints and the Lions underscores his flair for cultivating defensive prowess, and that’s exactly what he plans to infuse into the Jets.

Known for his leadership style that resonates well with players, Glenn isn’t just bringing defensive talent to New York; he’s carrying a blueprint for a cultural uplift. As he prepares to craft a robust coaching staff, here are some names in the mix for the offensive coordinator role:

Nick Caley
Despite never having worked directly with Glenn, Caley’s name is buzzing in coaching circles. Currently, the Los Angeles Rams’ pass game coordinator and tight ends coach, Caley has polished his skills under the likes of Bill Belichick and Sean McVay. At 42, he was nearly in line for New England’s offensive coordinator position last offseason and is now touted as a potential fit for the Jets under Glenn.

Tanner Engstrand
Though Engstrand is in line for a potential promotion in Detroit, his rapport with Glenn opens up interesting possibilities. As the passing game coordinator for the Lions, he played a pivotal role in Jared Goff’s career revival. If the Lions don’t elevate him, a call from Glenn could very well shift his trajectory to the Jets.

Josh McCown
Josh McCown—remember him from his Jets days? The seasoned journeyman’s transition to coaching has been well-regarded, and his history overlaps with Glenn back in Cleveland. With notable contributions as a quarterback coach in Minnesota this season, McCown is shaping future quarterbacks while eyeing his stride into a more prominent coaching position.

Pete Carmichael
Tapping into the Sean Payton coaching tree, Glenn could look to Pete Carmichael as a seasoned coordinator. Presently, he holds a senior offensive role in Denver after a prolific stint with the Saints, where he collaborated with Glenn. Carmichael’s history as an adept play-caller would bring invaluable expertise to the Jets’ evolving offensive strategies.

Scott Turner
With over a decade as an NFL assistant and a stint as Washington’s offensive coordinator, Scott Turner also enters the conversation. Although he hasn’t had breakout success as a play-caller yet, his league-wide connections and steady hand could offer the Jets an additional layer of reliability.

As Glenn prepares to take the helm in New York, these potential coordinators form part of a broader strategy to redefine the Jets’ identity. It’s not just about filling positions—it’s about reigniting the passion and performance that Jets fans have been yearning for.