The New York Jets made waves this week with a surprising move, naming Brian Duker-formerly the Miami Dolphins’ passing game coordinator and secondary coach-as their new defensive coordinator. For a franchise that’s been under the microscope for years, especially during its now 15-year playoff drought, this decision adds another unexpected chapter.
What makes the hire even more intriguing is the backstory that’s beginning to surface. Many around the league believed new head coach Aaron Glenn was set to bring in veteran defensive mind Don “Wink” Martindale to run the defense. That pairing would’ve made sense: Glenn, a former Pro Bowl cornerback with years of experience coaching defense, teaming up with Martindale, one of the more respected and aggressive play-callers in recent memory.
But according to reports, that plan hit a wall-and not because of coaching philosophy or locker room dynamics. It came from the top.
During a reported meeting in Florida, Jets owner Woody Johnson is said to have made it clear to Glenn that the team wasn’t going to pay another high-profile defensive coach. Johnson’s message?
You’re making $12 million a year. You’re the defensive guy.
You’re calling the plays.
That’s a bold stance, and it effectively ended any pursuit of Martindale. Glenn reportedly had to walk back the plan and inform Martindale that the job was off the table-not because of a change of heart, but because ownership had drawn a hard line. That’s not the kind of start most new head coaches envision when assembling their staff.
To be clear, Glenn is more than capable of calling a defense. His background on that side of the ball is extensive, and he’s earned respect across the league for his leadership and football IQ.
But there's a difference between choosing to call plays and being told you have to. That nuance matters, especially when trying to build a cohesive and empowered coaching staff.
This isn’t the first time Woody Johnson’s hands-on approach has raised eyebrows. Just over a year ago, reports surfaced painting the Jets as one of the most dysfunctional organizations in pro sports, with Johnson’s involvement cited as a major factor. Now, with another offseason underway, it seems some of those concerns persist.
General manager Darren Mougey, who joined the Jets in early 2025, is reportedly feeling the strain as well. According to sources, he’s been cautioning others in the industry about the challenges of working under Johnson’s leadership. If true, that’s a red flag for a franchise trying to build stability and attract top talent.
The Jets are already carrying the weight of the longest active playoff drought across the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and MLS. Moves like this-where internal politics may be dictating football decisions-don’t do much to inspire confidence that the streak is ending anytime soon.
There’s still time for Glenn and Duker to prove this unconventional setup can work. But in a league where alignment between ownership, front office, and coaching staff is often the difference between success and chaos, the Jets continue to walk a fine line.