Jets Offseason Heating Up: Coaching Additions, Draft Buzz, and Familiar Faces on the Free Agent Radar
It’s the first weekend of the NFL offseason, and while the pads are off, the pressure is on. With the Combine and free agency looming, the New York Jets are already making moves-and more could be on the way.
Let’s break down what’s going on in Florham Park as Aaron Glenn enters his first offseason as head coach, and why this could be a pivotal stretch for the franchise.
Coaching Experience Arrives in New York
One of the early knocks on Aaron Glenn’s staff build was the lack of offensive experience. That critique didn’t go unnoticed. Glenn made a pair of savvy additions this offseason by bringing in Frank Reich and Bill Musgrave-two veteran minds who bring decades of combined NFL experience to the offensive side of the ball.
Reich, known for his quarterback development and calm under pressure, gives the Jets a steady hand in the offensive meeting rooms. Musgrave, a long-time offensive coordinator with a history of maximizing quarterback play, adds another layer of expertise. These hires signal a clear shift toward balance on Glenn’s staff-and they should help whoever lines up under center for the Jets next season.
Will Glenn Bring “His Guys” to New York?
Last offseason, the Jets didn’t bring in a single player from Glenn’s former team in Detroit. That’s unusual. Typically, when a former coordinator becomes a head coach, you see a few familiar faces follow-players who know the system, understand the culture, and can help set the tone in a new locker room.
Think back to 2009 when Rex Ryan joined the Jets and was reportedly outside Bart Scott’s house 15 minutes into free agency. That move wasn’t just about talent-it was about importing the identity that made Ryan successful in Baltimore.
This time around, Glenn may be looking to do the same.
Five defensive players from Glenn’s 2024 Lions defense signed elsewhere last offseason, including Carlton Davis (Patriots) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (Dolphins). But there’s growing buzz that Glenn could look to bring in some of his Detroit guys this time around.
One name to watch? Linebacker Alex Anzalone.
Anzalone was a favorite of Glenn’s in Detroit-he even referred to him as the “quarterback of the defense.” At 30, Anzalone may not be in his prime, but he’s still producing.
This past season, he racked up 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 9 pass breakups, 4 tackles for loss, and an interception. More than just stats, Anzalone brings leadership, toughness, and a deep understanding of Glenn’s defensive philosophy.
With Quincy Williams headed for free agency, there’s a clear opening at linebacker-and Anzalone fits the bill.
Mock Draft Watch: Defense, Defense, Defense
Fox Sports dropped a new mock draft, and there are a couple of names tied to the Jets that stand out.
Arvell Reese, linebacker out of Ohio State, is one of the few prospects in this class being talked about in elite terms. With the Raiders seemingly locked in on Mendoza at No. 1 following the Kubiak hire, the Jets’ best shot at adding quarterback competition may come via free agency or the trade market. Reese, meanwhile, is drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons for his athleticism and disruptive ability.
Then there’s Colton Hood, a cornerback from Tennessee who’s been turning heads since the Senior Bowl. Hood excels in man coverage and had a breakout 2025 season, posting eight pass breakups.
The Jets didn’t record a single interception all season-yes, zero. That’s a stat that has to change, and Hood could be part of the solution.
Glenn, a former Pro Bowl cornerback himself, likely sees the value in adding a playmaker to the secondary.
QB Carousel: Malik Willis Debate Heating Up
The Jets’ quarterback situation remains one of the biggest questions heading into the offseason, and one name being floated is Malik Willis.
Opinions are split.
On one hand, some analysts are urging caution. One voice likened the situation to the Matt Flynn saga-warning that if new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley doesn’t bring Willis with him from Green Bay, the Jets should steer clear.
But not everyone agrees. Phil Simms, for one, is all in on Willis.
He believes the young quarterback has shown flashes of real potential and says his arm strength has actually improved since college. Simms went as far as to call a potential Jets-Willis pairing “a home run.”
This kind of divergence is common in quarterback evaluations, but it underscores the stakes for the Jets. Whether it’s Willis, a veteran trade target, or a draft pick, they need to get it right-and soon.
Staff Additions on Defense
The Jets also finalized their defensive coaching staff, announcing four new hires. Among the most notable: Ryan Slowik as safeties coach and Ben Bolling as linebackers coach.
Bolling comes from Houston, where he worked under DeMeco Ryans as an assistant linebackers coach. That’s a strong endorsement-Houston’s defense has been one of the league’s most aggressive and disciplined units. Bringing in coaches from successful systems is a smart move, especially when you’re trying to establish a new identity.
QB Trinidad Chambliss Gets Sixth Season
In college football news that could have ripple effects on the draft, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by a Mississippi court. Chambliss fought hard to stay in school, and he got his wish.
Why does this matter for the Jets? Fewer quarterbacks in the draft pool could drive up the value of the remaining ones-something to keep an eye on as the pre-draft process unfolds.
What’s Next?
With free agency around the corner and the Combine just weeks away, the Jets are entering a critical stretch. Aaron Glenn has already made some strong moves on the coaching front, and if he follows through on bringing in trusted veterans like Anzalone, it could go a long way in setting the tone for 2026.
One thing’s clear: the Jets aren’t sitting still. And if Glenn can blend his defensive DNA with the right offensive leadership and personnel moves, this offseason might just be the reset the franchise has been waiting for.