Report: Jets Owner Woody Johnson 'Squashed' Coaching Hire

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 1:01 PM ET

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is once again making headlinas for the wrong reasons.

The Jets have been quite busy this offseason, parting ways with a plethora of assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, linebackers coach Aaron Curry and pass game coordinator Scott Turner. There were reports that Wink Martindale would join Aaron Glenn's staff for the 2026 season, but SNY's Connor Hughes said a deal fell apart for undisclosed reasons.

"Martindale and Glenn began discussing a partnership in December, with talks heating up to the point Martindale pieced together a staff who began telling sources SNY touched base with it was a 'done deal.' The plan was to have Martindale run the defense. Saturday, Martindale flew to Florham Park for an in-person interview. This was believed to be a formality – dot the I's, cross the T's, here’s your office and there’s the cafeteria," Hughes said.

"Upon Martindale’s arrival, talking to sources close to the situation, the original plan discussed between him and Glenn changed. The Jets head coach said he wanted to call the defensive plays. This was not something previously discussed with Martindale, or other candidates the Jets touched base with. This is where a potential partnership between Martindale and the Jets fell apart, and why Jim Leonhard was never considered a realistic option."

Well, WFAN's Shaun Morash might know why a deal between Martindale and the Jets fell through.

Morash is reporting that Johnson wouldn't sign off on Glenn adding a defensive play-caller to his staff. Apparently, the owner wants Glenn to run the show on defense.

"Sources Have Told Me: Woody Johnson was the one who squashed the Wink Martendale deal w/ the Jets," Morash wrote on social media. "Glenn told Wink the job was his, but Woody would not sign off telling Glenn he pays him enough as a defensive mind that he needs to be calling plays."

If this is true, that's an awful look for Johnson. In fact, it's the type of move that could scare coaches from joining Glenn's staff.

Morash reports that Woody Johnson stepped in and squashed the Wink Martindale agreement:@ShaunMorash pic.twitter.com/G0JwHluICY
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) February 3, 2026

Will the Jets have a defensive coordinator for 2026?

Despite Johnson's alleged demands for Glenn, the Jets have hired Brian Duker as their defensive coordinator.

Duker, 36, was the passing game coordinator and secondary coach for the Miami Dolphins last season. He worked with Glenn when he was on the Detroit Lions from 2021-2023.

"During our time in Detroit, Brian consistently demonstrated a high-football acumen and an aggressive approach to defense," Glenn said in a statement. "I'm confident that his energy and knowledge of the game will help elevate our players and push this team forward."

Glenn better hope that Duker and his revamped staff spark immediate change in New York. If not, he could find himself looking for a new job in 2027.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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