New bombshell report about Woody Johnson may give Jets fans nightmares

New York Jets fans and others within the NFL community were surprised that the club had hired Miami Dolphins passing game coordinator and secondary coach Brian Duker as its new defensive coordinator. 

Before the Duker news went public, it seemed as if Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was ready to give longtime coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale the DC job. During a Tuesday morning appearance on New York sports radio station WFAN, Shaun Morash explained how Jets owner Woody Johnson allegedly impacted Glenn's search for a new defensive play-caller. 

What Woody Johnson reportedly told Aaron Glenn about Jets' coaching staff

"[Glenn] flew down to Florida to meet with Woody Johnson to get him to sign on the dotted line on how much he needed to pay Wink Martindale," Morash explained, per Paul Esden Jr. of Heavy. "Woody Johnson looked Aaron Glenn dead in the eyes and said, 'I’m paying you $12M. You’re coaching the defense. We’re not hiring a defensive coordinator when that is your background.' Aaron Glenn had to turn around and fly back up to tell Wink Martindale, 'You know, sorry, Wink, it’s not happening, I gotta call the defense, and it’s Woody Johnson’s fault.' So it was not an Aaron Glenn-Wink Martindale rift. Woody Johnson would not allow Aaron Glenn to hire Wink Martindale to call the plays." 

On Jan. 28, NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY reported that Glenn's original "plan was to have Martindale run the defense." However, Glenn then "said he wanted to call the defensive plays" during a meeting with Martindale.

Meanwhile, history suggests Johnson isn't above making such a bold declaration to a head coach. Back in December 2024, a lengthy report detailed how Johnson is the biggest reason some have viewed the Jets as "the most dysfunctional place imaginable." 

It seems the Jets may not shake that reputation anytime soon. 

How GM Darren Mougey allegedly feels about his Jets tenure

General manager Darren Mougey only began working for the Jets in January 2025. According to Morash, Mougey may be advising people to accept jobs elsewhere this offseason. 

"Mougey is warning people, 'This is not the place you want to work, and Woody Johnson is not the boss you want to have,'" Morash added during the segment. 

One thing that can't be disputed is that the Jets are in the middle of the longest active postseason drought among the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and MLS (15 years). Morash's update won't do much to convince fans the Jets are close to ending their woeful streak anytime soon.