The AFC East is a division that's seen its fair share of shake-ups recently, and the New England Patriots have found themselves in unfamiliar territory. For years, they were the model of consistency, but the coaching carousel has finally spun their way with three different head coaches since 2023. This is quite the departure from the era of Bill Belichick, who helmed the team for over two decades.
Meanwhile, the rest of the division has been no stranger to coaching changes, and this offseason was no exception. The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins both revamped their coaching staffs, aiming to elevate their teams' competitiveness.
The New York Jets, in particular, have been through a whirlwind of coaching changes. In the 2025 offseason, they brought on Aaron Glenn, a former NFL cornerback with a solid background as a defensive coach since 2014.
However, Glenn's debut season as head coach didn't quite hit the mark. In response, he made significant changes to his coaching staff, bringing in seasoned personnel to bolster the team's prospects.
Despite these efforts, Glenn's position is precarious. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has placed him on the list of coaches in the hot seat as we head into the 2026 season. It's a situation the Patriots can't ignore, as Glenn's fate could influence the dynamics within the division.
Glenn's first year at the helm was less than stellar, though not entirely his fault. The Jets finished 31st in overall PFF grade, with a dismal 3-14 record and a -203 point differential, marking it as the 14th-worst single-season performance.
Offensively and defensively, they ranked no better than 29th in EPA per play. Breece Hall was the lone bright spot, achieving a respectable 75.0 overall grade with over 200 snaps.
Determined to change their fortunes, the Jets have been active in reshaping their roster and coaching staff. Their draft choices have been lauded, with standout picks that could pose challenges for divisional rivals like the Patriots.
The Jets also revamped their coaching lineup, bringing in Frank Reich and Brian Durker as coordinators. They bolstered their roster with first-round selections David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr., alongside free agency and trade acquisitions like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Demario Davis.
All these changes add pressure on Glenn, and his ability to steer the team in the right direction is crucial. For the Patriots, who have historically dominated their matchups with the Jets, this uncertainty could play to their advantage. If Glenn struggles to make the necessary improvements, the Jets might find themselves languishing at the bottom of the league once more.
For New England, this scenario could pave the way for another successful season, with the Bills likely emerging as their primary competition. The Patriots have had a productive offseason themselves, acquiring key players like safety Kevin Byard III, wide receiver A.J. Brown, and offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
As they prepare for one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, any turmoil within the Jets' ranks could be a welcome relief. While no one wishes for a coach to lose their job, the reality is that Glenn's early performance could have significant implications for the Patriots. Keeping a close eye on the Jets' start to the season will be crucial for New England as they navigate the challenges ahead.
In Other News...
This Patriots Trade Idea Feels Like The Wrong Bet Again
The Patriots have already been active this offseason, flipping in and out of several roster pieces while also making it clear they are not eager to part with premium draft capital. They may still be open to moving later-round picks, but the latest trade concept floating around feels like the sort of deal that asks New England to pay for a player who does not obviously solve one of its biggest needs.
In this version, the intrigue centers on Arizona wideout Michael Wilson, a name that has drawn interest because of his size and his ability to finish the season on a stronger note after a quieter start. But for the Patriots, the more pressing question is fit, not flash, and the concern is whether Wilson would actually help where this offense most needs help rather than simply add another receiver to the mix. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Legend Just Said What AFC East Fans Feared About Drake Maye
Drake Mayes second season is already carrying the kind of buzz that tends to make the rest of the AFC East uneasy. After leading New England to the Super Bowl as a rookie, the quarterback is stepping into a year with bigger expectations and a roster that looks better built to support him, thanks to upgrades up front and new help at receiver.
Matthew Slater only added to the optimism in a recent interview, backing Mayes fit in Josh McDaniels system and signaling that the quarterbacks growth could come quickly as he settles in. For the Patriots, the encouraging part is not just what Maye has already done, but how much room there still appears to be for him to take another step if the new pieces around him click. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Still Have 3 Major Camp Decisions Hanging Over This Roster
With minicamp wrapped up and training camp set to open July 25, the Patriots are moving from offseason installation mode into a stretch where a few roster questions still need answers. One of the biggest is how they plan to deploy first-round pick Lomu, who got work at both tackle and guard during the spring as the staff continued sorting out where he fits best on the line.
There is also a broader look at depth across the roster, especially with veterans and young players jostling for roles before the pads come on. Boutte took part in minicamp, but his name has already surfaced in trade talk after the A.J. Brown acquisition, leaving New England with another decision to sort through as camp approaches. [Read more 🡒]