The Chicago Bears have officially hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach.
This development is excellent news for New York Jets fans, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
“This impacts the Jets because there was talk of GM candidate/former Lions exec Lance Newmark going with Johnson to Las Vegas. Now the Jets can pair Newmark and Aaron Glenn if they so choose … if they can beat out the Saints for Glenn,” Cimini shared on social media.
Everything is Lining Up for the Jets to Get Their Targets
This offseason, three general manager positions became available across the NFL. However, only two of these openings also featured a vacancy at head coach, offering a potential clean slate for new leadership.
The Chicago Bears retained Ryan Poles as their general manager, meaning their next head coach would have to work with him. In contrast, the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets presented opportunities for a fresh pairing of GM and head coach.
Initially, there was concern that Ben Johnson and Washington Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark might join forces in Las Vegas. However, with Johnson heading to Chicago, that possibility has been eliminated.
This opens the door for the Jets to finalize their plans on Tuesday, January 21.
Newmark and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are both set for second in-person interviews with the Jets on that day. If everything goes smoothly, the Jets could hire both on the spot, preventing them from entertaining other opportunities.
Aaron Glenn Must Deliver Right Away
If the Jets hire Aaron Glenn as their head coach, his immediate priority will be building a strong coaching staff.
Following the announcement of Ben Johnson’s hiring by the Bears, reports about his staff began to surface.
“Ben Johnson has been busy assembling a star-studded coaching staff. The leading candidate to become his defensive coordinator in Chicago is former Saints HC Dennis Allen,” ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported on social media.
For Johnson, securing a top-tier defensive coordinator was critical. For Glenn, the reverse will be true. As a respected defensive mind, his most crucial hire will be an offensive coordinator.
Glenn will face scrutiny as a defensive specialist and a first-time head coach. A strong offensive coordinator hire could alleviate much of the skepticism.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Jets still don’t have clarity on their quarterback situation for next season. Aaron Rodgers must decide if he wants to continue playing, and the Jets must determine whether they want him back. If not, a potential trade could emerge as an option.
Should Rodgers move on, the Jets will need a new solution at quarterback. Regardless of who lines up under center, Glenn’s success as a head coach will hinge on finding a capable play-caller who brings either proven experience or significant upside.
