The New York Jets’ rebuild under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn keeps grinding along, though it feels rough. Their 27-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday night highlighted the roster’s weak spots and the pressure weighing on Glenn in this city. Lately, he has snapped at reporters, which startled us a bit, since people around the league always describe him as calm, kind, and full of spark.
As Dianna Russini put it in herAthletic report:
“Glenn can say whatever he wants with whatever tone he feels at the podium; that’s part of the job. But around the league, he’s known as the opposite of his recent persona. He’s really kind, gentle, even soft-spoken. A man full of joy and so much passion, the same qualities that helped him rise in this profession.”
Aaron Glenn has spent the past few weeks sparring with Jets media, a far cry from the persona the first-year head coach is known for around the league.
That’s the trap when there is pressure — one that Glenn is still learning to navigate.https://t.co/v5J57FY0hQ pic.twitter.com/iiaxFAwuf1
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 16, 2025
Aaron Glenn Is Learning to Navigate New York’s Intense Spotlight
Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn watches from the sidelines in the second half during an NFL International Series game against the Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn watches from the sidelines in the second half during an NFL International Series game against the Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Glenn’s first season continues to teach him something new each week. Pressure builds, expectations shift, and he works with a roster that feels unfinished. The Jets sit at 2-8, and gaps at quarterback, wide receiver, and the pass rush make games against playoff-level teams feel like uphill climbs. Reports continue to suggest that the team plays about the same as it has for months, showing tiny steps forward but nothing that jolts anyone.
Glenn brings a sharper edge on the sideline than people expected. The Athletic mentions that his time in Detroit showed him to be open, lively, and steady. New York brings out something more prickly. He fires back at reporters, and sometimes the tone lands harder than needed. Russini calls it a common trap. A first-year coach in this city often tries to assert control quickly, and the spotlight intensifies with every misstep, so reactions become louder.
His on-field decisions also sparked debate. He committed to Justin Fields as his starter. Fields flashed at moments, then drifted, which stalled the offense. Missed execution, missed chances, and all those roster shortcomings added up. Still, the Jets fought in stretches, even if the score didn’t reward them. Glenn now finds himself in a tricky spot, where he needs to be firm without picking unnecessary fights and to lead without losing his composure.
The Athletic mentioned past Jets coaches like Rex Ryan, Adam Gase, Eric Mangini, and Herm Edwards. Each one learned the same lesson here: this city runs better with leaders who steer the ship, not ones who swing at every wave. Glenn needs to leverage the strengths he already possesses. His honest voice, his energy, his drive. All of it still sits in him, even if pressure pushes him sideways for a moment.
Glenn’s tenure remains young. He can still settle in, keep trust, shape expectations, and push slow progress. New York punches hard, the roster needs time, and that spotlight never dims. Even so, his traits as a thoughtful, charged-up leader give the Jets something real, if he steadies himself under the heat.