BREAKING: Jets Begin New Regime with Aaron Glenn as Head Coach, Darren Mougey as General Manager
Jets GM Darren Mougey and Jets HC Aaron Glenn, via newyorkjets.com
It is the start of a new regime at One Jets Drive. The Jets have officially hired Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn as the team’s new head coach and Broncos Assistant General Manager Darren Mougey as the team’s new general manager. The introductory press conference will be later today at 1 pm and will have many eyes on it. It is a new day with lots on the line. This offseason will be another crucial one with questions like: Will Aaron Rodgers be the Jets QB in 2025? Will Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner be re-signed? Will Davante Adams be back? Many questions remain, but let’s revisit the road to these hirings.
The Glenn hire seemed inevitable after Vrabel went to New England. Vrabel was the Jets’ number one candidate, but Glenn is no consolation prize. The story is perfect, with Glenn having a happy homecoming to the team he was selected by in the first round in 1994. Glenn has worked hard for this opportunity and turned a horrid Lions defense into one of the most respected in football. However, the shocker has to be the Mougey hire. It was rumored that Lance Newmark essentially has the job and would be a paired duo with Glenn. However, after the second in-person meeting with Glenn and the Jets, Newmark would be out of the race. This led to the Jets picking between Darren Mougey and Bengals Senior Personnel Executive Trey Brown. It was reported Friday morning that the Jets would be leaning towards Mougey, and it would be officially announced a day later. The best candidate was no longer available after Mike Borgonzi decided to take the Titans GM job. The Jets hired “The 33rd Team”, a company led by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and former Dolphins and Vikings GM Rick Spielman, to assist the Jets in their head coaching/general manager search. They strongly suggested Mougey and Jets Owner Woody Johnson made the final okay. Last season, they made a good hire for the Washington Commanders. If Mougey is successful, then “The 33rd Team” may have just made themselves lots of money.
In my opinion, Mougey is the biggest question mark in this hire. Glenn should make for an amazing coach and will have the support of so many. His connections with all-time great coaches, like Bill Parcells and Sean Payton, could help him settle in as a head coach in the NFL. Glenn also stated that he will be involved in every aspect of the team, not just limiting himself to the defensive side of the ball. Coach Glenn must build a strong staff, though. Names like Steve Wilks have been mentioned for the defensive coordinator job. This hire could be tremendous. A former head coach to help assist Glenn in the transition to head coach is a great idea. On the other side, names like Nick Caley, the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator for the Rams, have been mentioned for offensive coordinator. Many in the NFL have spoken of Caley highly, and some have even said talking to him is “like talking to Sean McVay”. Glenn has a long road ahead of him regarding building this staff. However, he has the support of the franchise and former players. Former Jets Safety Victor Green has gone on record and pledged to be part of Glenn’s coaching staff with the Jets.
Yet, the looming question stands. Will Rodgers return for 2025 as the Jets QB? It was reported that there was mutual interest between both parties, Glenn and Rodgers. The outstanding concern is whether Rodgers will allow himself to be coached. Glenn needs complete control of this roster, and many question how a future Hall of Fame QB will react to that. Returning for the upcoming season would likely be in both sides’ favor. Rodgers does not have many suitors, and the Jets don’t have an immediate plan B option at QB right now. Many hate the idea of Rodgers returning after a disappointing season, but it makes QB one less position that this new regime needs to worry about. The two should consider a reunion.
My grade is B+. I love the Glenn hire but am not entirely sold on Mougey. The hires have lots of potential. A first-time GM and first HC are always scary for teams because it’s a high-risk yet high-reward situation. It worked for Detroit last season and could work out for the Jets. It’d be wise to hire an experienced President of Football Operations, but it doesn’t seem the Jets will go down that route.
The hype will continue to build, but the Jets must give their fans something to be proud of. Once again, allow the anticipation to build.
