New York Jets’ New Head Coach Opens Up About Early Challenges

Aaron Glenn has officially stepped into the role of an NFL head coach, taking the reins of the New York Jets after serving as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator. While the opportunity is a dream come true, Glenn quickly realized the immense responsibilities that come with the job—leading to a lighthearted but telling exchange with his former boss, Lions head coach Dan Campbell.

Glenn’s Joking Call to Dan Campbell: “Why Didn’t You Tell Me?”

After being hired as the Jets’ head coach, Glenn wasted no time reaching out to Campbell, but his message wasn’t all gratitude. In a candid and humorous moment, Glenn admitted that he “almost cursed” at his former head coach upon realizing just how demanding the position would be.

“The first thing I told Dan Campbell, I called him and almost cursed, I said, ‘Why didn’t you tell me about everything else that comes with it,’” Glenn shared in an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Movin’ The Chains.

As a defensive coordinator, Glenn focused primarily on game plans, player development, and in-game strategy. However, as a head coach, he quickly learned that much of the job extends far beyond Xs and Os.

“I make a joke, I haven’t talked about Cover 2, Cover 1, I haven’t talked about a stretch play, any of that,” Glenn continued. “It’s everything else that comes with it. But I tell you what, I’m looking forward to every day that I can wake up and be the coach of this team. There’s not too many people that can say that, so I don’t take that for granted at all.”

Taking Lessons from Dan Campbell Into His New Role

While Glenn may have been caught off guard by the full scope of head coaching duties, he remains confident in his approach, drawing inspiration from Campbell’s leadership style. One of the key lessons he learned from his former boss is the importance of authenticity.

“Let me say this about Dan first and foremost. He is authentic as a man can be and you don’t get that a lot in this business. I’m just gonna say that,” Glenn explained. “That’s probably one of the first things that I know that I will be to these players. I’m Aaron Glenn, and that’s all I could be is Aaron Glenn. And you’re gonna get Aaron Glenn every day.”

Glenn also emphasized the balance between being demanding yet supportive—something he admired in Campbell and now aims to implement with the Jets.

“I’m a demanding person, but I’m not demeaning. I’m gonna do everything I can to help you improve in your craft every single day, and that’s gonna help us improve as a team,” he added.

A New Chapter Begins for Glenn and the Jets

Glenn’s transition from defensive coordinator to head coach marks a significant moment in his career. Returning to the franchise that originally drafted him, he carries not only a wealth of experience but also a deep understanding of what it takes to lead.

While the challenges of head coaching may have caught him off guard at first, Glenn’s passion, leadership, and ability to adapt suggest he’s more than ready for the task. If he brings the same intensity and authenticity he displayed in Detroit, the Jets may finally have the leadership they need to turn the franchise around.