It wasn’t always smooth sailing for the New York Jets over the past month - but in the NFL, when is it ever?
Coming off a tough 2025 season that saw just three wins, head coach Aaron Glenn knew changes were necessary. And now, with a revamped coaching staff in place for 2026, the Jets look like a team that's finally charting a clearer course forward.
It took some time, and the process wasn’t exactly linear, but the end result? A staff that looks stronger, more experienced, and better equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
A New Look on Both Sides of the Ball
Let’s start with the obvious: the Jets didn’t just tweak their coaching staff - they overhauled it. New play-callers have been brought in on both offense and defense, each bringing a fresh perspective and a different approach than their predecessors.
That’s not just change for the sake of change. It’s a calculated shift in direction, and one that could pay dividends.
On offense, the Jets moved on from Tanner Engstrand after initially attempting to keep him in a reduced role. When that didn’t pan out, they opened up the coordinator search three weeks after the season ended - a delay that raised some eyebrows. But while the process may have looked messy from the outside, the Jets ultimately landed on a more seasoned offensive mind to guide a unit that desperately needs stability and identity.
Defensively, Glenn is expected to take over play-calling duties himself - a move that signals confidence in his vision and leadership. Around him, the Jets added proven positional coaches with strong track records.
Karl Dunbar (defensive line), Ryan Slowik (safeties), and Ben Bolling (linebackers) all bring more experience and credibility to their respective rooms than the coaches they’re replacing. That’s a clear upgrade, and one that should help the defense take a step forward.
A Staff That Reflects a Clearer Vision
It’s fair to say the Jets' offseason didn’t start with a clear roadmap. The team took time to evaluate who would stay and who would go, and for a while, it felt like there was no unified direction between Glenn and the front office. But sometimes, the best plans take time to come together.
What’s encouraging is the balance the Jets struck with their final hires. There’s a mix of veteran leadership and younger coaches with upside - like pass-game coordinator Seth Ryan, who’s viewed as a rising talent in coaching circles. That kind of blend can be powerful, especially for a team that needs to develop young players while also establishing a more professional, consistent culture.
What Comes Next
Of course, building a staff is just the first step. Now the Jets have to find players who fit what these coaches want to do - and then actually develop them.
That’s where last year’s group fell short. The 2025 staff lacked the experience and cohesion to bring out the best in the roster.
This year’s group? There’s real reason to believe they’re better equipped for that challenge.
It took a few detours, but the Jets got to a better place. The 2026 coaching staff looks significantly stronger than what we saw a year ago. And while there’s still a long offseason ahead, New York fans can at least feel like the foundation is finally being laid the right way.