Even with the New York Jets enduring the worst start by a first-year head coach in franchise history, team ownership isn’t giving up on Aaron Glenn just yet.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday at the NFL’s fall league meetings, Jets owner Woody Johnson offered a clear vote of confidence for Glenn to stay in charge. Johnson emphasized his long-standing belief in Glenn’s leadership and character as reasons for his continued support.
“I truly believe in Aaron,” Johnson said. “I’ve known him since 1996 — I’ve always been a fan. I respect how he commands a room. If I were a player, I’d respond to him because he’s genuine. No nonsense, no hidden motives. What he says is the truth, and players don’t always get that. Too often, they hear a bunch of fluff.”
Glenn, who previously served as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator before taking over in New York, has started his tenure with an 0-7 record. The Jets remain the NFL’s lone winless team, marking the third time in team history they’ve opened 0-7, joining the 1996 and 2020 squads.
One factor behind Johnson’s patience with Glenn has been the instability at quarterback.
Heading into their recent defeat against the Carolina Panthers, Justin Fields had started all six games for the Jets. Glenn initially brushed off talk of replacing him, but after a rough first half, he turned to veteran Tyrod Taylor for relief.
Taylor struggled as well, completing just 10-of-22 passes for 126 yards with no touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 25.9 passer rating.
“I think Aaron’s starting to figure things out,” Johnson said. “It’s tough when you’ve got a quarterback performing the way ours has. The talent’s there, but something isn’t clicking. And honestly, if you look around the league, most coaches dealing with that kind of quarterback play are going to see similar results. You need consistency at that position, and that’s what we’re trying to find.”
Johnson also pointed out areas where he believes the team has shown growth and stability.
“I think our defense and special teams are holding up,” he said. “The defense has been solid. If we could just hit some passes, things would look a lot different. We’ve got to complete throws — that’s where it starts.”
While Fields has avoided interceptions through six starts, he’s completed just 63.7 percent of his passes for 845 yards and four touchdowns, struggling to generate explosive plays.
Glenn will have two more reasonable opportunities to grab his first win as a head coach in the next two weeks.
This Sunday, the Jets travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals, who are still adjusting with veteran Joe Flacco under center while Joe Burrow recovers. After their bye week, New York will host the Cleveland Browns on November 9, another team facing quarterback uncertainty.
For now, Glenn continues to have the support of his owner as he works through his rocky debut season.
“I hug him every day,” Johnson said. “I really do. I tell him, ‘Keep the faith, man.’”
