The appointment of Aaron Glenn as the head coach of the New York Jets has received strong approval from football legend Bill Parcells, who has seen it all.

Parcells is thrilled that Glenn, who previously served as a defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and played as a cornerback under Parcells with the Jets and Dallas Cowboys, has secured his first coaching role this week.

“I’m absolutely thrilled for him,” Parcells shared with YSL News Sports on Thursday, just a day after Glenn finalized his return to the Jets. “He’s an outstanding young man. And don’t be misled by his stature; he’s truly a fierce leader now. You’re going to notice when he takes charge.”

Standing at 5-foot-9, Glenn was selected in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft (12th overall) by the Jets. When Parcells took over as the team’s coach in 1997, Glenn was one of the standout players. Parcells quickly recognized Glenn’s potential as a coach due to his serious demeanor as an athlete.

“He was always eager to learn more,” Parcells reminisced. “I remember having conversations with him about different techniques—how to tackle the run, how to evade blockers. He was always receptive and could translate what he learned directly onto the field. Not every player has that ability. When I explained something to him, he was quick to implement it correctly.”

Glenn and Parcells have kept in touch over the years, and Parcells believes Glenn will handle the pressures of coaching in New York just fine. Having played eight of his 15 NFL seasons with the Jets, Glenn is no stranger to the intense spotlight of the biggest market in the country.

“He’s experienced it firsthand. He knows what to expect,” Parcells said, reflecting on his own background with the New York Giants, whom he led to Super Bowl victories. “Even with that familiarity, there are always new challenges that arise.”

Parcells reconnected with Glenn in 2005, two years after he returned to coaching with the Cowboys.

When asked about whether Parcells was surprised Jerry Jones didn’t consider Glenn for the Cowboys’ vacant head coaching position, Parcells admitted, “I genuinely have no insight into that situation.”

There’s ongoing discussion regarding the appeal of the Cowboys’ job, especially given Jones’ active role as an owner and general manager. However, Parcells prefers to remain neutral on that front, expressing a positive sentiment about his own experience there.

“I can only speak from my own time; I truly enjoyed my time with them. I have great respect for Jerry Jones. He’s a man who stands by his word, which means a lot to me,” Parcells stated.

He was reminded of his previous comments about the allure of the Cowboys job, describing his return as a chance to work in “the big room.”

“That still holds true,” Parcells affirmed. “I hope they find someone who is a great fit for them.”

Meanwhile, Glenn is now in the spotlight with the Jets, where he is well-prepared to assert his presence.

“He definitely has that commanding personality,” Parcells noted. “Let me tell you: They’ve got a fierce leader at the helm.”

Follow Jarrett Bell on X @JarrettBell.