Yardbarker
x
Jets turn home-run HC hire into a single with twist in GM search
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. Kirthmon F. Dozier/USA TODAY NETWORK

Jets turn home-run Aaron Glenn hire into a single with twist in GM search

Only the Jets could turn a home run into a single.

On Wednesday, the Jets wisely hired Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their next head coach. As much as New York deserves praise for the hiring, naturally, the franchise's top brass couldn't let a good thing last.

After Glenn's hiring, reports surfaced that the organization had reopened the search process to hire a general manager after firing Joe Douglas in November.

Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark received a second interview with the Jets on Tuesday, along with Glenn, and the two have a history together in Detroit. Prior to being hired by Washington, Newmark served as Lions senior director of player personnel. 

Instead of jointly hiring the two, New York's decision to consider other front-office options could dull Glenn's hiring before the Jets fan base has time to celebrate, which is a shame for the first-year head coach.

Glenn has received rave reviews from Lions defenders. Last week, linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive back Kerby Joseph gave Glenn ringing endorsements for a promotion in separate interviews.

He's more than deserving of the opportunity to be a head coach. Whether the Jets deserve Glenn is another matter. Based on New York's general manager search, ownership still can't get out of its way. While it's important for the Jets to ensure they hire the best possible candidate, they need urgency to fill their opening.

In a surprising (but justified) move, the Jaguars fired general manager Trent Baalke later on Wednesday, potentially creating a more attractive front-office opening than what's in New York.

Glenn was the right choice as Jets head coach. With the GM search ongoing, it might be the only move New York gets right this offseason.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!