Jets hire Aaron Glenn to end coaching search

The Jets are bringing back one of their own.The team hired Aaron Glenn to be their 19th head coach on Tuesday.Glenn, who was the team’s first-round draft choice in 1994 and played eight seasons for the Jets, spent the past four years as the Lions defensive coordinator.The Jets zeroed in on Glenn during an extensive search for a head coaching candidate that saw them interview 16 different people.

Glenn, 52, emerged as the favorite to get the job after Mike Vrabel decided to take the Patriots job.Glenn interviewed for a second time with the Jets on Tuesday in Florham Park.He interviewed virtually with the team on Jan.

9.Lance Newmark, who knows Glenn from three years together in Detroit, interviewed for the general manager job for a second time on Tuesday.Newmark spent 26 seasons in Detroit before going to the Commanders last year where he was the assistant general manager under Adam Peters.Newmark had a virtual interview with the Jets on Jan.11, two days after Glenn interviewed for the job.

That could be a sign that he was recommended by Glenn.It would make sense for the Jets to try to pair two men who have a previous working relationship in the jobs.Glenn’s defenses in Detroit ranked 29th, 32nd, 19th and 20th in yards allowed per game and 31st, 28th, 23rd and 7th in points allowed.

The Lions went 15-2 this season and were the No.1 seed in the NFC playoffs despite losing a number of defensive players to injury.

The Lions were upset by the Commanders 45-31 on Saturday.The Jets are not hiring Glenn just for his defensive acumen, though.Glenn is known as a tough coach who is popular with players but also is not shy when holding them accountable.

The Jets entered this coaching search prioritizing leadership over everything else.The biggest question about Glenn now will be who he hires as his offensive coordinator.Glenn said last week that he does not view himself as just a defensive coach.“Here’s the one thing that I will say about myself, I’m a coach, I...