By Blessing 
The New York Jets have zeroed in on their top candidate for the vacant head coaching position. Aaron Glenn has emerged as the favorite to take the reins after his Detroit Lions fell to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional round, a crushing end to their season.
The Jets were determined to secure Glenn’s commitment before he left the building, reportedly presenting him with a significant offer. According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, “a substantial offer was made and the Jets’ job ‘is his if he wants it.’” However, Glenn departed New York’s facilities without an agreement in place.
Schultz also shared that team owner Woody Johnson flew Glenn back to Detroit on his private plane. The Lions’ defensive coordinator is expected to meet with the New Orleans Saints later in the week, a discussion the Jets hoped to prevent by sealing the deal quickly.
Glenn appears to be highly interested in the Jets’ position, and the organization views him as their ideal choice for the role. While the Saints are also vying for his services, New York seems to hold the upper hand, as Glenn reportedly favors returning to the team that originally drafted him.
A first-round pick in the 1994 NFL Draft, Glenn played the first eight seasons of his career with the Jets. After retiring in 2008, he briefly rejoined the franchise in 2012 as a personnel scout, deepening his ties to the organization.
The Jets are in dire need of a fresh start after another disappointing season in 2024. Despite lofty preseason expectations, the team finished with a dismal 5-12 record and extended their playoff drought to 14 years — the longest active streak in North American sports. By Week 5, the team parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh, following a loss in London, and general manager Joe Douglas was dismissed two months later.
Woody Johnson is now leading the hiring process as the team rebuilds for the 2025 season. In addition to Glenn, the Jets are eyeing Lance Newmark, currently the Commanders’ assistant GM, for their general manager vacancy.
Glenn’s coaching credentials are impressive, especially his work over the last four years as Detroit’s defensive coordinator. Despite injuries, the Lions’ defense ranked seventh in scoring in 2024, allowing just 20.1 points per game.
If Glenn accepts the Jets’ offer, he is reportedly preparing to assemble a strong coaching staff. Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard is expected to join him as defensive coordinator, and Detroit quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell is a candidate for offensive coordinator.
While Glenn has yet to make a final decision, the Jets are optimistic that their offer will bring him back to New York.