A year ago Aaron Glenn said of the task before him and the New York Jets heading into the 2025 season, "We're built for this shit."
We all know how that quote boomeranged back at him last season.
"To me play-calling is my super-power."
OH BOY!! Put a pin in that one.
If Glenn's history as Defensive Coordinator and play-caller with the Detroit Lions is any indication, it could be another long year for Gang Green.
Under Glenn, the Lions were ranked as follows: 29th, 32nd, 19th and 20th in overall defense during his four years in the Motor City.
Not to mention, his Lions defense was shredded by the Washington Commanders in the divisional playoffs in 2024.
"There are things I have to improve on," Glenn said. "There are mistakes I won't replicate going into the next season," Glenn said in evaluating himself about the 2025 season.
"I created a vision of how I wanted this coaching staff to look. I will be the play-caller when it comes to the defense. The guys I chose for defense really compliment me, and we compliment each other."
As for the offense? "I was fortunate to hire Frank Reich (as offensive coordinator) who not only has been a really good coach but a head coach in this league."
Of course Glenn and the Jets got raked over the coals this off-season over their handling of the coaching staff changes which came swiftly some three weeks after the season concluded. The Martindale situation was a weird one, with many in the media speculating that owner Woody Johnson pushed Glenn to reverse course and call the defensive plays himself.
"There are narratives about me, our GM and our owner that need to change," Glenn said. "I went to him to speak about my vision for the team, and he asked me 'what can I do to help you achieve your vision.' He's there to support us."
Regarding the future of running back Breece Hall, the Jets plan on keeping him, either through an extension or via the franchise tag. If the Jets franchise tag Hall, they will pay him $14.54 million, where as the transition tag is only over $11 million. Plus the transition tag would allow the player to go out and gauge interest elsewhere to get a better deal.
"Ideally we get a deal done to keep Breece around. We are stilling going through that process. If we can't get to an agreement, we will get that tag," GM Darren Mougey said.
The franchise tag would make it harder for teams to match that offer, although watch out for teams like the Cardinals and Chiefs who have been rumored about potential fits.
Meanwhile GM Darren Mougey said he's confident the team can add some veteran players who can bring leadership to the team, as well as use the plethora of first round picks to his advantage this Spring.
Regarding the quarterback position, Justin Fields is on the roster for now. Chances are he will be gone come June 1. As for the other quarterback options rumors have swirled around the likes of Kirk Cousins (released by the Falcons), Andy Dalton (a player who worked with Frank Reich), Davis Mills (would require a trade with Houston), Eagles back-up Tanner McKee, or Malik Willis a back-up with Green Bay, who could command $30 million a year on the open market, not an ideal fit for the Jets.
There is also the possibility of trading for a quarterback like Kyler Murray, but the quarterback's size, and rumors about his attitude make such a move one many are not in favor of.
One thing is certain, the Jets won't move up in the draft to take Fernando Mendoza, he's going to the Raiders.
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