Jets Owner Johnson Backs Coach Glenn Despite 0-7 Start, Questions Fields’ Performance
In a show of commitment to first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson expressed continued confidence in his leadership despite the team’s 0-7 start to the season. Glenn, who began his playing career with the Jets, returned to the franchise for his first NFL head coaching opportunity. Johnson’s public support came during the NFL’s fall owners meeting, where he suggested Glenn is making progress in certain aspects of the team. “It looks like [Glenn] is turning around part of it,” Johnson remarked on Tuesday, indicating a belief that positive changes are occurring under Glenn’s guidance, even if those improvements haven’t yet translated to wins.
However, Johnson’s faith in quarterback Justin Fields appears considerably more tenuous. The owner pointed directly to quarterback play as a significant factor in the team’s struggles, stating, “It’s hard when you have a quarterback with the rating that we’ve got. He has the ability, but something is not jiving.” This assessment came on the heels of Glenn’s decision to bench Fields at halftime of the Jets’ Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers, replacing him with veteran Tyrod Taylor. Fields has posted a 91.1 passer rating this season while starting six games, missing Week 3 due to concussion protocol. The quarterback situation remains fluid heading into Week 8’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, with Johnson affirming he’ll leave that decision to the coaching staff.
Johnson’s relationship with Glenn spans nearly three decades, which may partly explain his patience with the first-year coach. “I do believe in Aaron,” Johnson emphasized. “I see the way he handles the room. If I were a player, I would respond to him because he’s the real deal. There’s no B.S. There’s no second agendas. What you are hearing is the truth.” This praise highlights what Johnson views as Glenn’s authenticity and straightforward approach to leadership, qualities he believes resonate with players. The owner added that players often don’t receive honest feedback but rather “gobbledygook,” suggesting Glenn’s directness is a refreshing and valuable trait in an NFL head coach.
The disconnect between the Jets’ winless record and Johnson’s continued support for Glenn points to a longer-term vision for the franchise. While acknowledging that “you can’t win with hope,” Johnson still expressed belief that Glenn will “make the right decision with what we’ve got.” This statement suggests recognition of the team’s limitations while maintaining confidence in Glenn’s ability to maximize available talent. The owner’s pointed criticism of quarterback play, rather than coaching, indicates where Johnson believes the primary issues lie, despite Fields having started only six games with the team since being acquired in the offseason.
As the November 4 NFL trade deadline approaches, Johnson indicated the Jets will explore all available options to improve the roster. “I think we are looking at every option at all times,” Johnson stated. “Always scouring what’s going on in football.” This openness to potential moves could signal upcoming changes for a team desperately seeking its first win. While Johnson didn’t specify whether the Jets would be buyers or sellers at the deadline, his comments suggest a willingness to consider significant adjustments if the right opportunities present themselves.
The Jets find themselves at a critical juncture in their season, balancing support for a first-year head coach with the need for immediate improvement. Johnson’s public backing of Glenn while simultaneously questioning the quarterback situation creates an interesting dynamic within the organization. As the team prepares for its Week 8 matchup against Cincinnati, all eyes will be on Glenn’s quarterback decision and whether the Jets can finally break into the win column. Despite the frustrating start, Johnson’s comments indicate a commitment to patience with the coaching staff, if not necessarily with all players on the roster, as the Jets work to turn their season around before it’s too late.
