Aaron Glenn says he has a plan. And whether Jets fans believe in it or not, it looks like he’ll get the chance to put that plan into motion next season.
Despite a rocky rookie campaign as head coach, all signs point to Glenn returning to lead the New York Jets in 2026. That means another offseason to recalibrate, another draft class to mold, and another shot at building a roster that can finally break the cycle of disappointment. With four picks projected in the top 50, plus a healthy chunk of cap space, the Jets are positioned to make real moves-on paper, at least.
The big question is whether Glenn can turn potential into production. Because this season, the Jets didn’t just stumble-they got punched in the mouth.
Repeatedly. And to borrow from Mike Tyson’s famous line, everyone has a plan until that first hit lands.
The Jets took theirs early and often in 2025, and now we wait to see if they can respond with more than just words.
That starts with quarterback Brady Cook, who will remain the starter for Week 17. Glenn insists Cook gives the team the best chance to win, a stance that’s been met with skepticism in and around the fanbase.
Cook has struggled, and the numbers back that up. But Glenn is sticking to his evaluation-for now.
The rest of the roster is a mixed bag of growing pains and glimpses of promise. Linebacker Jamien Sherwood openly admitted he needs to be better, a level of accountability that’s appreciated in a locker room searching for leadership.
The young secondary showed flashes in the second half against the Saints, even as the rest of the team faltered. Defensive coordinator Chris Harris has managed to coax some encouraging moments from that unit, though consistency remains elusive.
Offensively, it was another long day at the office in Week 16. The Jets failed to find rhythm, and the Saints’ defense clamped down hard, especially on rookie wideouts and Cook’s passing lanes.
Chris Olave torched the Jets' secondary, exposing the gap between where the Jets are and where they need to be. That 29-6 loss wasn’t just a bad day-it was a reminder of how far this team still has to go.
Special teams didn’t fare much better, and even the usually reliable kicking game is facing questions heading into the offseason. Veteran Nick Folk’s future is uncertain, and the Jets are already exploring contingency plans.
Still, there are some silver linings. The loss to the Saints, paired with other Week 16 results, gave the Jets a boost in the 2026 NFL Draft order. It’s not the kind of win fans want, but it’s the kind of positioning that could pay dividends in April.
As for Glenn, he’s doubling down. He’s asking for patience, promising that the organization knows what it’s doing-even in the face of a 23-point loss. That message has been met with mixed reactions, but it’s clear Glenn believes in the long-term vision.
The Jets’ direction, at least for now, is set. Glenn will lead the team into Week 17 against the Patriots with Cook under center and a roster still trying to find its identity.
Whether this plan works or not, we’re about to find out. Because next season, there won’t be much room left for growing pains.
It’ll be time to deliver.