Despite a rocky debut season on the sidelines, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is expected to return in 2026 - and that’s not just lip service. Sitting at 3-11 heading into a Week 16 matchup with the Saints, Glenn’s record doesn’t exactly scream job security. But according to reports, ownership isn’t flinching.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Sunday that Glenn still has the backing of owner Woody Johnson, even after a brutal start to the year. That support has remained steady, even when the win column was empty. And while the Jets have only strung together a few victories since then, Glenn’s energy and leadership inside the building have apparently left a strong impression.
There’s also the future to consider - and the Jets are loaded with draft capital. Thanks to a pair of blockbuster trades, they now hold eight picks in the first two rounds of the next two drafts. That includes the No. 5 overall pick in 2026, plus two others in the first round: No. 18 from the Colts in the Sauce Gardner deal, and No. 21 from the Cowboys (via Green Bay) in the Quinnen Williams trade.
That kind of draft firepower is rare, and it’s clear the front office wants Glenn to be part of the long-term vision. He’s expected to help develop the next wave of Jets talent, and that process starts this offseason.
Now, while the record isn’t pretty, Glenn has kept the locker room engaged - and that matters. The team hasn’t quit on him.
The effort is still there on Sundays, even if the results haven’t followed. That kind of buy-in from the roster is often the difference between a one-and-done head coach and someone who gets a second season to prove they can build something.
But let’s be real - the quarterback situation is going to define Glenn’s future.
He put his faith in Justin Fields this season, naming him the starter. But Fields struggled to find any rhythm, going 2-7 in his nine starts.
The offense sputtered under his command, with inconsistent drives and a lack of sustained momentum. Eventually, Glenn turned to veteran Tyrod Taylor, hoping for a steadier hand.
It’s clear the Jets will need to make a serious decision at quarterback this offseason. Whether that’s using one of those high picks on a top prospect or exploring the trade or free-agent market, the position can’t remain in flux if Glenn is going to get this team turned around.
For now, though, Glenn gets another shot. The record might not reflect progress, but the organization sees something worth building on - and with a treasure chest of draft picks at their disposal, the Jets are betting that Aaron Glenn can help shape the next chapter.