Rumors about Jets' dysfunction under Woody Johnson, Darren Mougey, Aaron Glenn grow louder

Longtime coach Don "Wink" Martindale recently offered some comments that seemed to confirm that New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn wanted to hire Martindale to be the Jets' defensive coordinator before team owner Woody Johnson revealed that he wanted Glenn to coach the team's defense. 

There's now a new twist regarding that story. 

Is Darren Mougey no longer giving Aaron Glenn what he wants?

Per NJ Advance Media and James Kratch of EliteSportsNY, New York sports radio legend Mike Francesa shared on the latest edition of his podcast that Johnson has allegedly given more power to Jets general manager Darren Mougey since the club ended Glenn's first season in charge with a record of 3-14. 

"My understanding is it’s Mougey’s decision to not have Martindale here, not Woody’s," Francesa said about the Jets. 

A report from this past fall indicated that Mougey wanted to keep Aaron Rodgers as the Jets' starting quarterback through at least the 2025 season, while Glenn "wanted to move on" from the future Hall of Famer. The Jets ultimately parted ways with Rodgers, but replacement Justin Fields proved to be a flop until he was benched due to poor play.

According to Francesa, Glenn was interested in taking a flier on veteran Kirk Cousins this offseason. Mougey instead brought journeyman Geno Smith back to the Jets to serve as their 2026 Week 1 starter.

Is Darren Mougey, Aaron Glenn honeymoon already over? 

"While these guys have put up a very good front, they’re not getting along as well as everybody thinks," Francesa added about Mougey and Glenn. "(That’s) what I’m hearing, which I’m sure they’ll deny, but that’s what I’m hearing. And I’m hearing it from a terrific source." 

Francesa's update could lead one to assume that Johnson and/or Mougey view recently hired offensive coordinator Frank Reich as a possible future replacement for Glenn. Reich previously served as a head coach with the Indianapolis Colts and the Carolina Panthers, so it is fair to wonder if he could receive an in-season audition as an interim coach this coming fall if Glenn once again fails to notch his first victory of the campaign until late October.