By Mummy Grace 
The whirlwind continues for Aaron Glenn.
After the Detroit Lions were eliminated from the postseason on January 18, Glenn quickly agreed to become the Jets’ 22nd head coach on January 22. Just five days later, Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey held their introductory news conference at 1 Jets Drive.
This week, Glenn has been working tirelessly to finalize his coaching staff. During a Thursday visit with former Jets executive Pat Kirwan and Jim Miller on SiriusXM’s Movin’ the Chains, Glenn shared his enthusiasm for the team, spoke highly of owners Woody and Christopher Johnson, and emphasized his commitment to bringing a winning culture to the Jets.
“This is one of the reasons why I really wanted to come here, Pat. Man, he is committed to winning,” Glenn said of Woody Johnson. “You can really feel that when you talk to him. He’s very emotional about this team, he loves the players, and he loves the people who work in this building. That was the first thing that really stood out to me about Woody and his brother, Christopher. When you have an owner like that who shows you that commitment, you want to work for him.”
Over the last 14 seasons, the Jets have posted a winning record only once (2015) and have consistently finished near the bottom of the AFC East. But Glenn believes he can be the catalyst for change, bringing much-needed life to the franchise.
“Talking to people in both the business and football sides of this organization, it’s clear this team and building are hungry for a winner,” he said. “My job is to do everything I can to make that happen. I’m confident I can do it. I’ve learned a lot from my time in New Orleans and Detroit, and I believe I’m the right person for the job.”
Glenn’s recent success with the Detroit Lions—where he served as defensive coordinator for four seasons—speaks volumes. Under his leadership, the Lions improved each year, from a dismal 3-13-1 in 2021 to a 15-2 record and back-to-back NFC North titles in 2023-24, with four postseason appearances.
“In Detroit, working with Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, I learned how to build a team from the ground up and make it a top-tier contender,” Glenn reflected. “There are certain principles you have to follow. You have to be rock-solid in your beliefs about how a team wins and how to foster that winning mentality.”
Before his time in Detroit, Glenn spent five years coaching defensive backs under Sean Payton in New Orleans. During that stretch, the Saints were perennial playoff contenders, winning 11+ games every season from 2017 to 2020, including a heartbreaking NFC Championship loss to the Rams in 2018.
“Sean Payton taught me a lot about sustained success,” Glenn said. “We had a five-year run in New Orleans where we won 12 or 13 games each year and made the playoffs. What’s been great about my journey is learning how to build a team from the bottom, get them to the top, and sustain that success. I’m confident we can do that here with the Jets.”
With more than 25 years of NFL experience as a player, scout, and coach, Glenn’s journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of the game. And as he steps into his new role, he’s determined to be unapologetically himself.
“Listen, I’m Aaron Glenn, and that’s all I can be—just Aaron Glenn,” he stated. “I’m a demanding person, but I’m not demeaning. I’ll do everything I can to help players improve every single day, and that’s going to help us improve as a team. I’ve been on both sides of the game—as a player and as a coach—and my track record speaks for itself. It won’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. We’re going to work our asses off, and I believe in the players here. We’re going to do great things together.”