Aaron Glenn needs to look in mirror before hiring Jets’ next defensive coordinator

Aaron Glenn is about to set out to find a smart defensive coach to take over his defense in 2026 after firing Steve Wilks this week. 

He should start by looking in the mirror. 

Take flight with the Jets

Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.

SIGN UP NOW

Glenn got the Jets head coaching job based partially on what he did in Detroit as the Lions defensive coordinator from 2021-24. It was not all about his defensive acumen. The Jets wanted a leader more than anything as their new coach and felt Glenn was that guy. But if it was not for what he did with the Lions defense, Glenn would not have been on the head coaching radar of the Jets or any of the other teams with which he interviewed.

So, why did he give up the thing that made him a success in the first place? Why did he turn over the defense to Wilks?