The New York Jets have made a significant move in their efforts to rebuild the team.

On Wednesday, the Jets announced the hiring of Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, as their new head coach.

At 52 years old, Glenn interviewed with the Jets for a second time on Tuesday, just a few days after the Lions concluded their playoff run. This allowed the Jets to pursue coaching signings, as their assistants became available. Reports indicated Glenn was also set for a second interview with the New Orleans Saints later this week.

Glen, a former NFL cornerback, played for the Jets from 1994 to 2001, receiving two of his three Pro Bowl selections during his time there. He began his coaching career as a scout for the Jets after retiring as a player.

“This organization holds a special meaning for me,” Glenn said in a statement. “From being drafted and training on Long Island to returning as a scout in New Jersey, this has always felt like home. I’m grateful to (owner Woody) Johnson for this chance. To our players, be ready to be guided with our full commitment. That is our duty. I urge everyone to share the same goal of pursuing a championship. To our fans, simply put, expect a winning team you can take pride in.”

Glenn is the second Lions coordinator to take a head coaching role this week, following Ben Johnson’s agreement with the Chicago Bears on Monday.

During his time in Detroit, Glenn orchestrated a defensive strategy that ranked seventh in points allowed in 2024, even with significant player injuries causing many absences from the roster.

His aggressive defense, utilizing heavy man coverage and numerous blitzes, should align well with New York’s talented roster, which includes standout players like cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. However, despite ranking third in yards allowed for the second consecutive year, the defense finished 20th in points allowed, as performances declined under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich after Robert Saleh was let go.

The Jets ended the 2024 season with a 5-12 record, extending their playoff drought to 14 years, the longest in the league.

The team is still in need of a general manager, having parted ways with Joe Douglas in November.

A major question for Glenn will be the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season. Rodgers is still under contract but has expressed uncertainty about his future with the team.

“I think it’s clear that it will depend on the GM, the coach, and me, and whether we can come together or if it’s just not meant to be,” Rodgers mentioned on “The Pat McAfee Show” last week.