NFL

Aaron Glenn's Jets Show Progress but Coaching Flaws Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Aaron Glenn's Jets Show Progress but Coaching Flaws Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The New York Jets endured a historically dismal 2025 campaign, finishing 3-14 and becoming the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without an interception. Nevertheless, the organization chose to retain head coach Aaron Glenn for another year, though not without significant changes. New York overhauled 12 of 22 assistant coaches and made roster additions across the board, signaling that the front office expects tangible progress under Glenn.

Entering his second season, Glenn aimed for improvement, and through six weeks, the Jets have shown signs of competitiveness. At 2-4, they sit third in the AFC East, and all but one of their losses have been closely contested. The defense, in particular, has taken a step forward, but lingering issues with coaching decisions and late-half execution continue to plague the team. Glenn must address these problems if he hopes to keep his job.

Defensive Resurgence

A key factor in the Jets' improved competitiveness has been Glenn taking over defensive play-calling duties. The decision has paid early dividends: New York ranks tied for fifth in sacks (17) and 10th in pressure rating (24.3%). Against the pass, the Jets have been stout, allowing the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (185) and ranking 11th in air yards allowed (662). Newcomers David Bailey and Dane Belton have been instrumental. Bailey leads the team in pressures (23) and sacks (5), while Belton has excelled against the run, earning an 89.7 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus—third among 98 qualifying safeties.

Glenn's defensive adjustments have kept the Jets in games. Through six weeks, the unit ranks seventh in points allowed per game (20.7) and has surrendered more than 30 points only once. Last season, New York allowed 30 or more points three times in the first six games and eight times overall. The defense was pivotal in both victories, holding the Titans to 10 points and the Browns to 12. While turnover creation and run defense remain areas for improvement, the overall progress is encouraging for Glenn.

Coaching and Offensive Concerns

Despite the defensive gains, Glenn's game management has raised eyebrows. In a Week 6 loss to the Patriots, he opted to go for it on fourth down twice instead of attempting field goals from 48 and 57 yards. Passing up points in the second quarter while trailing by a touchdown proved costly, especially with offensive coordinator Frank Reich calling a shotgun run and a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-one. Glenn also rushed only three players on a 42-yard touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs, giving Patriots quarterback Drake Maye ample time to find his receiver.

The Jets' inability to execute in the final two minutes of the first half has been a persistent issue. This season, they have been outscored 20-0 in that span, and over Glenn's 23 games as head coach, the margin is 100-6, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. Whether it's clock management, play-calling, or execution, New York struggles when every possession matters. Finding ways to score in these situations is critical, especially given how close their games have been.

Offensively, the Jets have not improved under Reich, the former Colts and Panthers head coach brought in to revitalize the unit. New York has scored just 112 points this season, fewer than the 123 they scored through six games in 2025. Reich has failed to consistently involve star receiver Garrett Wilson, who has seen more than seven targets in only two games. The Jets rank last in red-zone touchdown efficiency (37.5%), and Glenn deserves scrutiny for not holding his coordinators accountable. His continued public support of Reich raises questions about whether the staff is doing enough to fix the offense.

Confidence Meter: 6/10

Despite the struggles, Glenn does not appear to be on the verge of being fired. The team has improved in talent and execution and is far more competitive than last season. However, his seat is undoubtedly warming. The offense's underperformance has held the Jets back and cost them games, such as the Week 2 loss to the Packers, where they blew a 10-point lead and managed just one first down before punting, later failing on a fourth-and-one and allowing Green Bay to drive for the game-winning field goal in overtime.

Glenn remains confident in the team's direction, comparing their competitive stamina to the 2022 Lions, who started 1-6 before finishing 9-8. While that comparison offers optimism, New York must turn competitiveness into wins. This week's matchup against the Dolphins is a crucial test—a game they should win against an inferior opponent. A loss would intensify the pressure on Glenn and his staff. Jets owner Woody Johnson and the front office are unlikely to make a mid-season change, but if poor coaching decisions persist and progress stalls, Glenn's long-term future in New York will become increasingly uncertain. For now, his seat is warm, but there is still time to turn things around—or make the situation worse.