The New York Jets tied for the league’s worst record in 2025, and Aaron Glenn looked like he’d be the latest one-and-done head coach. Instead, the Jets front office chose to stay the course based on the belief that Glenn can be a culture-changer.
“It’s not the coaching,” one starter told ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “We need more pieces, a lot more pieces.”
Even so, Glenn fired his offensive and defensive coordinators after last year’s 3-14 performance. Frank Reich steps in as the offensive play-caller, while Glenn will become more hands-on with the defense. With more experienced coaches now on staff, the Jets should do a better job relaying and understanding their current philosophies. The roster is significantly better, too.
New York wasn’t shy this offseason. General manager Darren Mougey overhauled a defense that finished among the league’s bottom 10 overall and 31st in scoring defense. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat arrived via separate trades. The organization signed cornerback Nahshon Wright, safety Dane Belton, linebacker Demario Davis, defensive lineman David Onyemata and edge-defenders Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. The Jets also made a statement by using this year’s second overall draft pick on the class’ best pure pass-rusher, David Bailey.
From there, the Jets made two more first-round selections and acquired the top incoming tight end, Kenyon Sadiq, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Second-round cornerback D’Angelo Ponds shouldn’t be overlooked as the most class’ competitive prospect.
Geno Smith’s return as New York’s QB1 will likely be the biggest limiting factor. But the Jets weren’t in a position to acquire a better option. Glenn better hope that Smith is good enough for the Jets to show significant progress this fall. Otherwise, the finger will be pointed directly at the head coach.