Aaron Glenn’s first year as head coach of the New York Jets wasn’t just a rebuild - it was a full-on salvage operation. The Jets limped to a 3-14 finish in 2025, bookended by a seven-game skid to open the season and a five-game slide to close it. But inside that rough exterior, there were signs that Glenn is laying the groundwork for something more stable - and potentially more competitive - in Year 2.
One of his former players, All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, still believes in the vision. Gardner, who was traded to the Indianapolis Colts midseason, didn’t hold back when asked about Glenn’s leadership. Speaking on X via Danielle McCartan of WFAN, Gardner praised Glenn’s no-nonsense approach and his ability to command respect in the locker room.
“(Glenn) has a very tough mindset,” Gardner said. “Like, this the way that things gonna be.
And 99.9% of the time, that’s the right way. He’s gonna discipline his players.
And if you not on the same accord, then he’s not gonna be there.”
That’s not just coach-speak - it’s a window into the culture Glenn is trying to build. Gardner went on to say he’s excited to see what Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey can put together now that they’ve had a full season to evaluate the roster and identify what’s needed.
“I truly believe him and (General Manager Darren) Mougey, them two cooking together, they gonna do their thing,” Gardner added.
That kind of endorsement speaks volumes, especially coming from a player who’s now watching from afar. But belief alone won’t turn around a franchise that’s been stuck in the mud for years.
The Jets’ 2025 campaign was a grind, and not just because of the losses. The locker room itself was a challenge, according to defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who spent the season in New York.
“I think AG inherited a very cancerous, truculent group - whole, top to bottom,” Phillips said during an interview with Roundtable Sports on Super Bowl radio row. “It's not individual people's fault.
I was there for one season. It was a very difficult season.
And I almost wanted to waver on some of my thoughts and my beliefs and my optimism.”
That’s a telling quote. When a player like Phillips, known for his leadership and consistency, admits he nearly lost faith, you know the environment was toxic. He added that the prolonged lack of results had worn down the team over time.
“I can't imagine being there for year after year after year after year and not seeing the results that you wanted. And it tainted people.”
That’s the kind of honesty that paints a clear picture of what Glenn walked into. It wasn’t just a team that needed better talent - it was a team that needed a cultural reset. And that’s what Glenn is trying to provide.
Now, with a full offseason ahead and a front office aligned with his vision, Glenn has the chance to reshape the Jets in his image. It won’t be easy - turning around a franchise rarely is - but there’s at least a foundation forming. And with players like Gardner still backing him, even from a different sideline, there’s reason to believe Glenn’s second year could look a whole lot different than his first.