The New York Jets are clearly in overhaul mode as they gear up for Aaron Glenn’s second season at the helm. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the front office is moving aggressively to reshape the coaching staff-starting with the offense.
According to reports, the Jets reached out to Jon Gruden about a potential role on Glenn’s staff for the 2026 season. But Gruden wasn’t interested in making an NFL return.
It’s unclear exactly what position the Jets had in mind for him, but the timing of the outreach is telling. Just a day prior, the team parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand after only one year on the job.
Gruden, of course, hasn’t coached in the league since 2021, when he resigned from his post with the Raiders following the release of offensive and discriminatory emails sent during his time with ESPN. Since then, his NFL involvement has been limited-he served as a consultant for the Saints in 2023 and more recently has been producing content for Barstool Sports.
Despite his absence from the sidelines, Gruden’s name has continued to surface in coaching circles. Reports last year suggested that teams were doing their due diligence on the Super Bowl-winning coach during the 2025 hiring cycle. And while he remains a polarizing figure, the Jets’ reported interest shows that there’s still curiosity around what Gruden could bring to a staff.
But for now, he’s staying on the outside looking in.
With Gruden out of the picture, the Jets are expected to pivot to another experienced name: Frank Reich. The veteran coach is reportedly in line to take over as the team’s primary play-caller. Reich brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for quarterback development-something the Jets desperately need to stabilize an offense that struggled with consistency and identity last season.
This move signals a clear intent from the Jets: surround Aaron Glenn with seasoned voices who can help turn the tide. Whether Reich can do that remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain-the Jets aren’t sitting still.