Jets May Target Josh McCown If Aaron Glenn Is Fired

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Speculation around the New York Jets‘ coaching situation is heating up as the team struggles under head coach Aaron Glenn. Glenn has faced criticism for losing his first seven games this season, making him one of only nine coaches to do so since 2000, according to ESPN.

If the Jets decide to move on from Glenn, beat reporter Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor has proposed that Minnesota Vikings quarterback coach Josh McCown should be at the top of their wish list. ‘The top guy on my list continuously is Josh McCown. Everyone keeps saying he is a future head coach,’ Faria said. ‘He knows how to develop quarterbacks and call offensive plays.’

Faria compared McCown’s potential with that of Andy Reid, who became the Philadelphia Eagles head coach without prior coordinator experience. He emphasized that while McCown is not a play-caller yet, he understands the game thoroughly due to his background as an NFL quarterback.

The Jets’ hiring of Glenn has not been met with unanimous support, with many critics questioning his defensive background and inexperience. In contrast, McCown has a strong offensive background, which could bring a fresh perspective to the Jets’ coaching staff.

Since Jets owner Woody Johnson purchased the team in 2000, he has only hired one head coach with an offensive background—Adam Gase in 2019. Gase was the only head coach under Johnson who had prior NFL head coaching experience.

However, McCown, who has only been coaching for three seasons, has a wealth of experience as a player, having been selected in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He has played for 12 different teams, including a two-year stint with the Jets.

Despite the ongoing discussions about Glenn’s future, some reports suggest that he is unlikely to be fired this season. Owner Woody Johnson has reportedly exhibited patience, allowing Glenn to shape the team and its culture. Additionally, the Jets signed Glenn to a five-year contract, which would complicate any decision to fire him, as doing so could necessitate a substantial payout.

No team in NFL history has finished a season 0-17, and while Brian Costello from the New York Post indicated that ‘everything is on the table’ if the Jets continue to lose, Glenn’s job appears secure for now.