Jets reporter addresses bombshell story about Woody Johnson, Aaron Glenn

After the New York Jets surprisingly hired Miami Dolphins passing game coordinator and secondary coach Brian Duker as their new defensive coordinator, a report surfaced claiming that Jets owner Woody Johnson had essentially told head coach Aaron Glenn that he couldn't hire longtime coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale for the job because Johnson wanted Glenn to coach the defense. 

For an article published on Sunday, Jets reporter Rich Cimini of ESPN addressed whether or not Johnson is the reason that Martindale isn't employed by the Jets this winter. 

Why Don "Wink" Martindale is not the Jets' new defensive coordinator

"He brought in veteran coach Wink Martindale for a second interview on Jan. 24, creating the perception that he had found his new defensive coordinator," Cimini wrote about Glenn. "...Martindale's interest was based on his ability to run his own defense, and he came away from the second meeting under the impression that Glenn had changed the parameters of the job, according to a source close to Martindale. About a week earlier, Glenn had attended organizational meetings at owner Woody Johnson's home in Palm Beach, Florida. The timing of those meetings, coupled with the seemingly abrupt end to Martindale's candidacy, fueled speculation that Johnson, who has a reputation for meddling, had instructed Glenn to run the defense himself. People in Glenn's camp say that isn't true, that it was his decision to take control of the defense -- part of a detailed offseason plan presented to Johnson."

Cimini was likely referencing a December 2024 report that explained why Johnson is allegedly the biggest reason some have viewed the Jets as "the most dysfunctional place imaginable" for years. Under Johnson's watch, the Jets have become responsible for the longest active postseason drought among the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and MLS, which is at 15 years and counting. 

Why the Jets went with Brian Duker as DC after considering Don "Wink" Martindale

As for why Duker was selected for the job, he previously served as a defensive assistant coach with the Detroit Lions when Glenn was Detroit's defensive coordinator. Cimini mentioned that Duker's "familiarity with Glenn's system" should ensure there's "nothing lost in translation" with Glenn in control of the Jets' defense. 

Glenn relieved former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks of his duties in December after the Jets suffered the second of what became five straight double-digit losses. According to ESPN stats, the Jets finished the season ranked 25th in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (355.6) and 31st in points allowed per contest (29.6).

If the Jets' defense fails to play better under Glenn's leadership this coming fall, he may not remain in his job through Week 18 of his second season as New York's head coach.