At this point in the NFL season, none of the games count for the New York Jets as they found themselves out of the playoffs, but they do matter. Some matter more than others.

On Saturday, the Detroit Lions lost to the Washington Commanders by a final of 45-31. The game was exciting as playoffs game get through most of the match and the run Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels is on in the playoffs is reminiscent of Mark Sanchez’s rookie season with the Jets back in 2009.

With the loss, the Lions are eliminated from the playoffs which has a great effect on the Jets coaching search. Coaches on the Lions staff, are no able to interview in-person starting on Monday and can be hired at any time now that Detroit’s season is officially over. The same goes for the Houston Texans’ staff, but I think the Jets should star far away from them.

It is no secret that once Mike Vrabel signed with the New England Patriots, the top candidate for the Jets head coaching job became Aaron Glenn. But they are not the only ones who are interested in the Lions defensive coordinator. The New Orleans Saints, a team Glenn spent years as a defensive assistant, are also targeting Glenn for their head coaching search.

With Glenn now available to be interviewed in person and potentially hired, the Jets would be smart to act quickly if Glenn is indeed their top target. If Glenn decides that he would rather coach elsewhere, not an unreasonable desire considering what he would have to deal with in New York, or that he wants to return for another Super Bowl run with the Lions, the Jets will have to pivot to a new candidate.

Some fans have been against hiring Aaron Glenn and have been vocal on social media. While I understand some of the concerns of hiring another unproven, defensive coach, I would not judge Glenn based on his divisional round performance. The Lions defense was awful, giving up 45 points, but that isn’t all on Glenn. Anyone who has followed the Lions knows how devastated that unit has been with injuries. Glenn was starting fourth stringers in places. I realize scheme matters, but at some point, the talent has to win-out.

Judging Glenn’s candidacy as a potential head coach based on one playoff performance is as short-sighted as it comes. Especially with some of the awful options that the Jets are considering.

Detroit’s defense has improved in each season with Glenn as coordinator. In 2024, The Lions finished fifth overall against the run and eighth in turnover differential with a +9. Over Glenn’s four seasons as defensive coordinator, the Lions went from allowing an average of 27.5 points per season to 20.1. Glenn’s expertise at stopping the run and forcing turnovers is exactly what the Jets need as they struggled badly with both this year.

Things could start to materialize quickly for the Jets now that their reported top candidate is available for hire. And if they don’t move at all, there could be a bigger problem.

Jets reportedly put an end to speculation on Rex Ryan’s future as head coach in New York

Options continue to dwindle for the New York Jets as the coaching carrousel spins. After the New England Patriots announced that they are hiring Mike Vrabel to be their head coach in one of the most un-surprising moves of the offseason, the Jets not only have to deal with facing him twice a year, but […]