By Blessing 
While the Denver Broncos have secured Sean Payton as their head coach for the foreseeable future, the New York Jets appear to be following a similar blueprint. By hiring Aaron Glenn, a former New Orleans Saints defensive backs coach and current Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, to replace Robert Saleh, the Jets may be looking to replicate some of Payton’s success.
Glenn’s history with Payton runs deep, which raises concerns for Denver. After Payton filled his Broncos staff with numerous former Saints colleagues, Glenn might now look to lure some of those same individuals to New York with the promise of promotions.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, league insiders believe Broncos assistant special teams coach Chris Banjo could be a candidate to join Glenn’s staff in New York. Banjo, who worked with Glenn during their time in New Orleans, could reportedly be elevated to the role of special teams coordinator with the Jets.
Glenn’s extensive connections in New Orleans — where he spent several years working alongside Payton — could make the Broncos vulnerable. Many of the coaches who helped Denver thrive in 2024 might find it hard to pass up opportunities for more prominent roles under Glenn in New York.
On the offensive side, Glenn might consider John Morton, Denver’s passing game coordinator, as a candidate for the Jets’ offensive coordinator role. Morton has already served as the Jets’ OC in 2017 and has a track record of building efficient passing attacks. Senior offensive assistant Pete Carmichael, another trusted name, could also be a target.
Defensively, if Glenn doesn’t pull coaches from Detroit, there are still plenty of options in Denver. Broncos outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite worked with Glenn during his final years with the Saints and could be a logical choice for New York. Defensive backs coach Jim Leonhard, a former Jet, might also attract attention, given his familiarity with the franchise.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the Jets had interviewed Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph for their head coaching vacancy before ultimately deciding on Glenn. This suggests they already have insights into Denver’s staff and could potentially identify key assistants to recruit.
While a handful of defections to New York wouldn’t derail a Denver team that made the playoffs behind its rookie franchise quarterback, losing coaches integral to their success could gradually chip away at the team’s competitive edge. Glenn’s hiring might just be the beginning of a ripple effect for the Broncos.