The New York Jets hired Aaron Glenn as their new head coach this past week. The three-time Pro Bowler previously served as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator for the last four seasons and will now coach the team that drafted him in 1994.
The Jets parted ways with Robert Saleh after Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season, and the team finished with a disappointing record of 5-12. There is excitement around the franchise about Glenn, but the new head coach has a big decision to make about Aaron Rodgers, who still has one year left on his contract.
Dianna Russini Provides Latest Update on Aaron Rodgers
NFL insider Dianna Russini recently appeared on “The Ryen Russillo Podcast.” When asked about Rodgers’ future with the Jets, she hinted that the four-time NFL MVP is unlikely to play for the AFC East franchise under the new head coach.
“[On Rodgers returning] I don’t think so,” Russini said. “I think he’s so divisive. He’s still talented, like, I still believe Aaron Rodgers is going to play, and I want him to. I still want to see more Aaron Rodgers football. I just think the Jets know this is something they went all-in on, it didn’t work. And trying to bleed this out, I think could just make it more complicated.”
“With a new head coach, a new regime, they want new vibes,” Russini added. “In the same regard, when you look at the quarterback market right now and the situation, it’s not awesome. That’s a problem. It’s why you’re seeing so many coaches run to teams with quarterbacks because it just doesn’t look good.”
Earlier, there were reports about Glenn wanting to keep Rodgers on the team in his first season as head coach. However, the team’s owner, Woody Johnson, might have different ideas, as he is likely to favor a completely fresh start.
One of the Jets’ best players, Garrett Wilson, reportedly had chemistry issues with Rodgers at the end of the season. If that’s the case, the franchise would certainly want to keep the star wide receiver happy, as the veteran quarterback doesn’t have much time left in the league if he doesn’t retire this offseason.
Aaron Glenn Could Look Like Robert Saleh Without Rodgers
If the Jets part ways with Rodgers, the chances of Davante Adams leaving the team are also quite high. It will put Glenn in a difficult situation, as the team’s offense was already one of the worst in the league.
The new Jets head coach was hired due to the success he had on the defensive side of the ball in Detroit. It’s similar to the previous head coach of the franchise, Robert Saleh, who was brought in after his success as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.
Similar to Saleh, Glenn will likely have to lead the team with a big uncertainty around the quarterback position in his first season with the franchise. The former Jets head coach finished with a record of 4-13 in his first season, as quarterback Zach Wilson wasn’t able to fulfill expectations.
If the Jets do not bring Rodgers back, they are unlikely to have a quarterback who can help the team win unless Jordan Travis turns out to be special. As a result, Glenn’s first season is expected to look like Saleh’s, with the team playing exceptionally well on defense and struggling on offense.
