It took longer than New York Jets and Detroit Lions fans had hoped, but former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has finally earned his first victory as an NFL head coach.

Emotions were already running high before kickoff after news broke that legendary Jets center Nick Mangold, 41, had passed away due to complications from chronic kidney disease, which he’d battled since 2006. Mangold spent ten seasons with the Jets from 2006 to 2016, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors. He was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.

Although Glenn never played alongside Mangold, he spent eight seasons as a Jets cornerback from 1994 to 2001 and understood how much this game meant to the city. Wins had been elusive, though. Glenn’s 0-7 start mirrored the Lions’ 0-10-1 beginning under Dan Campbell in 2021, sparking doubts about his ability to rebuild a struggling team. But much like Campbell’s first breakthrough, Glenn finally earned his victory in dramatic fashion.

For most of Sunday’s game, it looked like another loss was inevitable. The Cincinnati Bengals repeatedly built double-digit leads and seemed to have an answer for every Jets score. With just over nine minutes remaining, ESPN’s win probability gave the Jets only a 2.5% chance of victory — but it wasn’t zero.

Quarterback Justin Fields and running back Breece Hall sparked a five-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a 27-yard touchdown run by Hall. Trailing 38-30, the Jets successfully converted the two-point try as Fields connected with RB Isaiah Davis. Energized, the Jets defense forced a quick three-and-out from Bengals QB Joe Flacco, setting up one final chance to take the lead.

The next drive started strong as Fields found Davis for a big gain to the Bengals’ 35-yard line, followed by a Hall rush that moved the chains again. Facing two crucial third downs, the Jets converted both before reaching first and goal. Glenn channeled Campbell’s creativity as Hall threw a touchdown pass to tight end Mason Taylor — a play reminiscent of Detroit’s trick play last season when David Montgomery threw to Sam LaPorta.

Kicker Nick Folk nailed the extra point, giving the Jets a 39-38 lead after a stunning 23-point fourth quarter. The Bengals reached midfield but were stopped on downs, sealing Glenn’s first-ever victory. In the locker room afterward, fans saw Glenn deliver an emotional “grit” speech that felt very familiar to Lions supporters.

Another Former Lions Coach Sees His Win Streak End

While Glenn — a branch of Dan Campbell’s coaching tree — celebrated his first triumph, another branch faced a setback. Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and his Chicago Bears entered Sunday seeking a fifth straight win.

The Bears met a struggling Baltimore Ravens team still awaiting the return of two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. In his absence, former Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley started, and the decision proved successful.

Huntley was sharp, completing 77.27% of his passes for 186 yards and a touchdown while also adding 53 rushing yards. Running back Derrick Henry contributed 71 yards on 21 carries along with two touchdowns, guiding the Ravens to a convincing 30-16 win and dropping the Bears to 4-3 on the year.

For Detroit fans, the day’s outcomes felt fitting — the coordinator who joined a division rival lost, while the one who went to the AFC finally won. The season remains young, and both Glenn and Johnson still have plenty to prove. For Glenn, though, the story now includes a long-awaited first win — hopefully the beginning of many — just as long as none of them come against the Lions.