Jets Hire Wilks as Defensive Coordinator as Coaching Staff Builds

 The New York Jets new brain-trust of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey have been busy this week. Less than 48 hours after being formally introduced to the New York media and fan base, the Jets are busy filling out their coaching staff. 

Joining Glenn on the sideline will be former Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers Head Coach Steve Wilks as Defensive Coordinator. Wilks, who was the D.C. for the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers last year, was oddly dismissed by San Fran following last year's Super Bowl. 

His unit finished third in points allowed per game at 17.5 in 2023, and were ninth in Defensive EPA. He's been an assistant coach for a large part of his coaching career with stops in Cleveland and Carolina as a top defensive lieutenant for then Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera. 

"I'm looking for the best coach," Glenn said Monday. "That's all I'm looking for. He's going to be compatible. And it doesn't have to be from somebody I had; it can be from across the league."

In addition to Wilks the Jets singed former Denver Broncos special teams assistant Chris Banjo as their new special teams coordinator, and former Detroit Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden for the offensive line coach position. Heiden, who is primarily a tight ends coach, last coached offensive line back in 2018 in Arizona. 

The Jets are also a potential landing spot for Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand as offensive coordinator, perhaps the most critical hire of all once its made. 

"Put Your Seatbelts On" Aaron Glenn Sets Tone with Strong Debut

 Fasten your seatbelts Jets fans! New Head Coach Aaron Glenn and General Manager Darren Mougey were both presented to the New York media for the first time Monday afternoon and what a first impression it was especially for Glenn who takes over as the 22nd head coach in New York Jets history.

As some would say Glenn won the press conference. He was direct, forthright, and delivered an impassioned message about the franchises’ future.

Aaron Glenn, Jets Head Coach. Getty Images.

 

“To the players that are here now. Put your seat belts on and get ready for the ride,” Glenn said. “Listen there are going to be some challenges. But with challenges comes opportunity. Here is what I do know. We are the freaking New York Jets, we’re built for this …”.

 

 

Glenn didn’t wait for the Q&A to answer the ever-present question about the Hall of Famer quarterback’s future in New York. Glenn said he and Darren Mougey have reached out to the quarterback and will meet with him to figure out how he will fit into their plans moving forward.

While Glenn brought a lot of fire to the presser, the Jets’ new General Manager Darren Mougey was a little more understated. But he shared a great enthusiasm for the task at hand and shared a fun story about meeting Glenn years earlier when he was on the Denver Broncos front office staff.

 

See my full article on Fox Sports Radio New Jersey. 

Jets Search for GM Continues today

 A day after agreeing with Aaron Glenn to become their new Head Coach, the Jets turned their attention quickly to the General Manager's seat. 

The Jets are said to be interviewing Broncos Assistant GM Darren Mougey and Bengals Senior Personnel Executive Trey Brown on Thursday. There is a good chance that one of them might end up with the job by end of the day. 

Reports indicated that Mougey was to interview in the afternoon, and Brown in the evening. 

As for Commanders Assistant GM Lance Newmark, he is still considered a candidate, although he did interview with the team on Tuesday. 

New York Jets Hire Aaron Glenn as Head Coach

 The New York have their new head coach in former Pro Bowl cornerback-turned defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. 

Glenn, 52, was drafted by the Jets in 1994 and played for the franchise through the 2001 season, where he saw both the good and bad of Jets history, becoming a cornerstone player, and two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. 

After retiring from the game in 2008 with New Orleans, Glenn got his start in coaching through the Jets as a personnel scout in 2012. Soon thereafter he rose up the ranks a defensive backs assistant with the Cleveland Browns in 2014, and later Defensive Backs Coach with the New Orleans Saints in 2016. 

The past four seasons Glenn has been a rising star in the league as Defensive Coordinator of the Detroit Lions. 

Glenn returns to New York with high recommendations and tutelage from the likes of Bill Parcells, Sean Payton and Dan Campbell. 

It is believed that Glenn will bring needed leadership, discipline and attention to detail that was missing the past couple of seasons under the Robert Saleh/Joe Douglas regime. 

The next order of business for the Jets will be finding a General Manager and for Glenn to fill out his coaching staff. 

The Jets had interviewed Lance Newmark for the GM job the same day they agreed to terms with Glenn, and it was believed they were a packaged deal since Newmark worked in Detroit when Glenn was there, but the Jets are opening up that search once again. 

As for the staff, names like Steve Wilkes, Mark Brunell, Nick Caley, Klint Kubkiak, and Mike Westhoff have all been linked to the staff. 

Jets Contract Talks with Aaron Glenn Pause Tuesday

The New York Jets are circling the wagons on a new head coach and general manager in the form of Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn and Commanders Assistant General Manager Lance Newmark. After nearly an entire day of negotiations, Glenn and Newmark both left the building Tuesday night, but, according to reports it does not mean the deal is dead. 

Both sides are still talking.

Aaron Glenn - Getty Images.

Something could be in the offing coming Wednesday. 

According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, Glenn flew back to Detroit on Woody Johnson's plane, and an offer was made, and the job is Glenn's if he wants it. 

Schultz further reports that Glenn's staff could include former Jaguars quarterback, and current Lions quarterback coach Mark Brunnell as Offensive Coordinator, and the return of former Jets Special Teams Coach Mike Westhoff. 

SNY's Connor Hughes also Tweeted on X that Jets fans shouldn't overreact to Glenn and Newmark leaving the building; adding that ex-Jets coach Robert Saleh also left the building after a long night of negotiating on his second interview.

It is believed that Glenn and Newmark will ultimately land in New York. It was reported earlier Tuesday night that the Jets were informing other candidates that they are going in another direction, and Glenn would be their guy.  

Since Mike Vrabel went to the New England Patriots, Glenn shot up the Jets wish list, and one can see why. Not only is he a former Jets cornerback, but he's risen up the ranks as an assistant coach over the last decade. His experience both as a scout and coach is invaluable. Not to mention he is highly sought after in this year's market. 

Should the Jets not sign Glenn, the New Orleans Saints are scheduled to interview him sometime this week. The Dallas Cowboys also expressed interest. 

As for Newmark, he had a 26-year run with the Detroit Lions in their front office, both as a scout and in player personnel. He landed with the Washington Commanders this season, helping to build a team that got to the NFC Championship game. 

Newmark and Glenn crossed paths in Detroit and know each other, hence the packaged deal. 

JETS FANS: 

Even with Glenn's pending hire, it hasn't stopped Jets fans from being split on his hire. A number of fans have been quiet harsh about Glenn's chances, some even rooting for his failure, or bemoaning the Jets for hiring another Defensive Coordinator as a Head Coach. 

Some have even called Glenn "Saleh 2.0." However, if you look at the resume, and listen to those who know Glenn the best, he's hardly a Robert Saleh clone.  Yes, he's a D-Coordinator by trade, and yes, he will be a first time head coach, but it's not like the market was blistering with quality former Head Coaches. 

Mike McCarthy didn't hit the market until last week. By then the Jets had pretty much completed their first round interviews. McCarthy did interviewed for the Jets job back in 2019 and lost out to Adam Gase of all people. 

McCarthy had been linked to the Bears and Saints; the Jets were never mentioned. Perhaps either side wasn't interested in the other. 

Outside of McCarthy: Brian Flores, Arthur Smith and Matt Nagy are all notable former head coaches, but none of them had a lot of success the first go-round.

 Pete Carroll? Well, even at a spry 73, only the Las Vegas Raiders have been knocking at his door. Carroll was a great coach in Seattle, but he too, had a rough time with the Jets 30 years ago back in 1994. Why would he want a return? 

Jon Gruden? He's still suing the league over the email scandal.

In short, it wasn't a great pool to choose from. Glenn at least brings some familiarity, and his history in the Bill Parcells/Sean Payton coaching tree shouldn't be ignored.

Mets Planning to Move On Without Pete Alonso

It appears that Pete Alonso's days in a Mets uniform are indeed over. 

While the 30-year old first baseman has not signed a contract with a team, he remains a free agent, the Mets have been unable to come to terms on a long term deal with the slugger; both sides reportedly "far apart" in contract talks that stretch back as far as June of 2023. 

For the fans its a harsh slap in the face. The perception many have of the Mets under Steve Cohen is of a team with unlimited amounts of money. Hence what happens when a team is owned by the richest man in baseball, and has spent not only millions, but a billion dollars on free agents since taking over the team. 

His latest foray into free agency landed Juan Soto at the beginning of the Hot Stove season this year. Since that time, the Mets have gone into virtual hibernation. 

While we have had to sit back and watch the Giants play listless football, and the Jets fall apart at the seams with head coach and GM firings and stories about Madden ratings, the Mets have been engaged in a tug of war if you will with Alonso. 

Back in 2023, before hiring Scott Boras as his agent, Alonso turned down a lucrative, seven-year $158 million deal from the Mets, in hopes of cashing in big in free agency. 

That hasn't worked at all for Alonso. The first base market never developed this winter. Paul Goldschmidt got a short term deal with the Yankees; Christian Walker a three-year deal in Houston; Carlos Santana got a one-year deal to return to Cleveland. Josh Bell got a one-year deal with Washington. 

If Alonso was hoping for someone to cash in on a $25 million a year contract, he was greatly mistaken. At the same time suitors are shrinking as well. 

That's why it seemed possible that a Mets-Alonso reunion could happen. It never did. 

According to Jon Heyman the Mets offered a three-year, $70 million deal that was rejected by Alonso.  This days after Alonso's camp had come to the Mets with a three-year, high average deal with opt outs. 

The Mets felt time was running out and even asked Alonso's team to give them something soon. 

Now New York is expected to pivot. And they need to hit it out of the park or else. 

The Mets have been linked to a potential trade for Blue Jays slugger Vlad Guerrero Jr., but there is no telling if Toronto is willing to part ways with the free-agent to be just yet. You see there is speculation that the Jays might be in on the Alonso sweepstakes themselves, and might want to pair Alonso and Guerrero in the lineup for a year. 

Guerrero Jr. would be an improvement over Alonso in many ways. 

While he is a lumbering 245 pounds, Guerrero is only 25 years old, and hit .323 last year for Toronto. He saw his strikeouts dip each of the past two years, and has been a 30+ home run guy each of the last four years. 

Not to mention he has a .991 fielding percentage at first base, and can play third too. 

Alonso has seen his skill-set decline the past couple of years. He had his worst RBI year of his career in 2024, driving in only 88 runs, and his strikeout rate has been skyrocketing every year since 2021. Last season Alonso struck out 172 times (which isn't even his career high). He also hit only .217 in 2023, and .240 last year. 

While Alonso is a good first baseman, he's not as fleet a foot as Guerrero is. 

Still he's a home grown Met, and had a postseason to remember last year. His homer against Milwaukee in the wild card round will be a memory that lasts forever. However, the Mets are taking a long rang approach on a hitter who appears on the decline at 30. 

Obviously acquiring Guerrero now would be a pipe dream. The Mets would have to be willing to give up a lot, and they would need to get Guerrero to agree to a long term deal, something the Yankees failed to do with Juan Soto. 

Instead the Mets might have to paste it together and hope for the best. Moving Mark Vientos to first is now an option. Brett Baty at third base now comes into play too. They could go out and sign slugger Anthony Santandar -- who knows? Or trade for San Diego slugger Luis Arraez; again it depends on the package. 

Re-signing Jesse Winker to a one-year deal helps. He can play a little first base, but he's not Alonso. 

What's disappointing is the Mets are heading into the season with no protection for Soto and Lindor in the lineup. 

For a team owned by the richest man in baseball that in itself is a crime.

Jets Choice for Coach Could be Between Aaron Glenn or Brian Flores

 We still got a long way to go in the Head Coach and GM search for the New York Jets, but it is starting to feel more and more likely that the Jets could wind up with either Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn or Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores as head coach. 

It has been speculated for days that this could be the case. 

Rich Cimini of ESPN speculated over the weekend that Flores could be a packaged deal with controversial former Colts GM Ryan Grigson, but then backed off that claim on a podcast with Will Parkinson on Monday. 

Still Flores is going to be a name to watch. His Vikings defense was really good this year until the final two weeks of the year when the Vikings got shellacked by the Lions in Week 18 and by the LA Rams on Monday night in the wild card game. 

 

Flores also has a lot of detractors. Many felt he lacked people skills in Miami his first time around as a Head Coach. Plus there was the whole lawsuit against the NFL for discrimination. He says he's changed, and many around him say he has. We shall see. 

 Glenn is a former Jet, and a very popular choice among many in the fanbase. He has done an oustanding job leading the Lions defense this year, and is seen as a favorite for either the Jets job or New Orleans Saints job. 

Keep in mind, following Mike McCarthy's exit from the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, there is a chance the Saints could go in on McCarthy, which might play into the a Glenn-Jets marriage.  We shall see. 

How Mike McCarthy's Departure from Dallas Could Affect the NFL

 Mike McCarthy is a free agent. The former Super Bowl winning Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers couldn't come to terms on a new contract with the Dallas Cowboys, and as a result he is free to find employment elsewhere. 

 

His presence in the market is surely going to shake things up. 

Check out my story on Fox Sports Radio New Jersey.

Giants Retain Both Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen for 2025 Season

 Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll will return next season along with General Manager Joe Schoen. The decision was made official by co-owner John Mara in the early hours Monday morning.

It comes as really no surprise, despite a 3-14 record in 2024, that both Daboll and Schoen return; it had been speculated for days that Mara wanted to keep the duo another year.

“I met with Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll Friday afternoon for several hours. Staying with both of them is the best course for us right now. Brian was coach of the year two years ago. I still believe he can do that. 

"As for Joe, I thought we had an outstanding draft this year, and I like the staff he has built. I understand completely this won’t be the popular decision in Giant-land, but I believe it is the right decision going forward,” Mara told reporters on Monday.

Since the Giants playoff run in 2022, Big Blue has gone 9-25 under the Schoen/Daboll administration the past two seasons. The 2024 season was pockmarked by the departure of star running back Saquon Barkley who left via free agency to Philadelphia. 

 Barkley’s free agency became the subject of HBO’s Hard Knocks Off-season, which many felt put Schoen, Daboll and the Giants in a bad light. 

 

Moreover, the Giants have a gaping hole at quarterback. They committed to Daniel Jones following his stellar campaign in 2022, but he never recaptured that magic. Ultimately Jones requested and was granted his release at mid season this year. Mara acknowledged that finding a quarterback will be paramount this off-season.

“I didn’t want to fall into that cycle again,” Mara said of going through another GM and Coach search. “I wanted to give people a chance to build this thing the right way,” Mara said. “Based on my observation of how they work together, and how the players respond to them, and how Joe is building the roster going forward, it is my strong belief we will go in the right direction.”

Jets End 2024 Season with More Questions Than Answers

The New York Jets 2024 season ended Sunday almost the same way it started, with lots of flash, and nothing but questions and confusion afterward. The Jets won their season finale 32-20 over the Miami Dolphins, and Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdowns, which gave the Hall of Famer 502 touchdown passes in his career, in what could be his final game with Gang Green; perhaps even as a pro football player.

But, the aura of ‘what’s next’ hung over MetLife Stadium like a thick fog. 

Getty Images.

 

Questions abound about the future of Rodgers, who could either retire or opt to return in 2025. And should he choose to play again next season, it likely won’t be in New York.

Questions also abound about who will coach the team, and who will be the General Manager of the team moving forward.

With each touchdown that Rodgers threw, his smile grew wider, and one could see in his eyes and the eyes of his teammates they were all very reflective. They were enjoying the moment together in a lost season. 

Whether Rodgers returns or not is ultimately up to owner Woody Johnson, despite what he might say in the New York Post, where he indicated that it would be the new coach and GM. 

And speaking of the GM and coach search, it's going to be extensive. Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn; former Jets coach Rex Ryan; Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith; Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy; 49ers QB coach Brian Griese; Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores, and Vikings QB coach Josh McCown name just a few of the candidates the Jets for Head Coach. 

 The Jets are also looking to interview Chiefs Assistant GM Mike Borgonzi and former Colts GM Ryan Grigson for their vacant General Manager spot. 

Buckle up folks. 

Giants' John Mara "Desires" to Keep Brian Daboll in 2025

 Despite reports on Saturday to the contrary, there is a belief in many circles that Giants co-owner John Mara wishes to keep Brian Daboll as Head Coach for the 2025 season. 

As was reported by CBS' Jonathan Jones, and later by Giants Wire on USA Today, the Giants would like to avoid yet another coaching search, and that the owner has been very much aware of key decisions within the organization.  Just look back at Hard Knocks last Spring when Mara was seen consistently in Joe Schoen's office discussing Saquon Barkley's future. 

If true, one can understands this. The Giants have been a revolving door over the past decade at Head Coach. Following Tom Coughlin's departure in 2015, the Giants have had four different full time head coaches (five if you count Steve Spagnuolo's four games as interim Head Coach in 2017).  

Each of them: Ben McAdoo, Pat Shurmur and Joe Judge each lasted only two seasons in New York. This is year three for Daboll, who was the AP Coach of the Year two-seasons ago in 2022 when the Giants made a shocking run to the divisional round of the playoffs. 

"There’s a belief Mara may not feel he’s assured of getting a better coach than Daboll, the 2022 NFL Coach of the Year. Daboll is considered one of the best quarterback coaches in the league, and Big Blue is certain to have a new quarterback on the roster next year" (GIANTS WIRE).

No doubt there needs to be improvement with the G-Men. Nine wins and 24 losses the past two years is unacceptable under any circumstance, and it's not like Daboll is alone to blame. A lot of blame can be directed all around from ownership on down to Schoen at GM. They decided as a group to let Saquon Barkley walk, which he did ultimately to Philadelphia where he ran for 2,005 yards this year. 

They also gave Daniel Jones a monster four year deal, which he never completed as he was outright released at mid-season. 

The Giants need to get the quarterback right in 2025. They will have a top 10 pick no matter what happens in Week 18 on Sunday. While this draft is not quarterback heavy, there is always the chance someone drops, or they could try to orchestrate a trade.  

Minnesota's rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a name to keep an eye on if the Vikings do indeed extend or franchise tag Sam Darnold. 

So while nothing is certain, it appears there is a lean toward Daboll returning for next season.

Jets First in Line to Interview Mike Vrabel; Interview with Rex Ryan Coming...

The New York Jets were the first in line to interview head coaching candidate Mike Vrabel for their vacancy on Friday. And word is from Connor Hughes of SNY is that the interview went very, very, very well. 

That is a good news for Gang Green. The Jets had their ducks in a row, and got a chance to make an impression on the man who is considered the top candidate among NFL circles. A lot of teams are going to want to talk with Vrabel. 

 The Bears, Saints and Raiders all expected to jump in. The Patriots could jump into the mix should they fire Jerod Mayo on Friday. 

There is also the possibility that the Giants could join the mix should they let go of Brian Daboll. Keep in mind that the Giants also employ Ryan Cowden, who worked closely with Vrabel back in Tennessee. Cowden is the Giants assistant GM. Perhaps the Giants dangle that as fruit should they pursue Vrabel for themselves. 

As for the Jets, while the Vrabel news is good. Keep in mind he is going to want a number of things: 1) a General Manager he can work with, 2) a stable organization, and 3) a clear quarterback situation. 

This doesn't necessarily scream Jets. Perhaps, the Jets can get permission from the Giants to interview Cowden for their GM spot. Stay tuned on that one. If Big Blue keeps Joe Schoen, perhaps they allow it. We'll see. 

 Meanwhile there are rumors the Jets wish list could get smaller. Aaron Glenn is perceived to be a favorite for the New Orleans Saints job. That doesn't mean it will happen, but it is an interesting development nonetheless. 

 

At the same time Gang Green is expected to interview Rex Ryan for the position on Tuesday. Ryan coached the Jets from 2009 - 2014, and took the team to back-to-back AFC title games in 2009 and 2010. He has professed a love for the Jets job. At the very least the Jets are doing him a service by granting him the opportunity to interview. 

That being said, don't totally discount it. If the Jets options dry up, suddenly a Ryan candidacy becomes  a real thing. 

Also, rumors are circling that the Jets have expressed interest in Steelers OC Arthur Smith and Washington OC Kliff Kingsbury for the head coach vacancy. Neither was successful as Head Coaches in their first stints with Arizona and Atlanta respectively, and won't be a popular choice among the fan base. 

Like Rex Ryan's candidacy, don't discount this either with Smith or Kingsbury.  The Jets are said to be looking for a head coach with experience. If they lose out on Vrabel, they might end up going this route instead. 

 

Giants' Head Coach Brian Daboll Not Safe

 The New York Giants could be looking for a Head Coach come Sunday night. There are reports and rumors that Big Blue could look to move on from Head Coach Brian Daboll after three seasons on the job, while retaining embattled General Manager Joe Schoen.

The latest rumors come from the Athletics Diana Russini. 

This is not going to be a popular choice among Giants fans, should the franchise do it. Many pin a lot of the franchises' personnel issues on Schoen, who became the face of the botched Saquon Barkley negotiation that became public last summer on Hard Knocks.  

A lot of people feel that if the Giants part ways with Daboll, they should do so with Schoen as well. 

That being said, it is not 100 percent certain that the Giants will make this move. There is a sense that owner John Mara wants to keep both Daboll and Schoen. 

Albert Breer and Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated expressed a belief that Daboll deserves the opportunity to keep his job for 2025 as the Giants will have a top draft pick to select a new franchise quarterback.

 The Giants have had a lot of instability over the past decade, firing three coaches in a six-year span. Daboll would be the fourth full time head coach the Giants have fired since Tom Coughlin's departure at the end of the 2015 season. 

Should the Giants move on from Daboll there is no shortage of candidates including Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson, Kliff Kingsbury, and perhaps former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.