The New York Jets Hire Aaron Glenn: A Win for the Green Bay Packers

In a surprising turn of events, the New York Jets have decided to hire Aaron Glenn as their next head coach, and while it might seem like a decision that doesn’t involve the Green Bay Packers directly, it’s actually great news for the NFC North team. There are several key reasons why the Packers are breathing a sigh of relief following the Jets’ decision.

Jeff Hafley Stays Put: A Huge Win for Green Bay

Perhaps the most immediate and impactful benefit for the Packers is that defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley remains with the team. Hafley had interviewed for the Jets’ head coaching position late last week, and losing him after just one season would have been a major blow. His defensive prowess helped the Packers evolve in ways that were critical to their success, and his potential departure could have thrown a wrench in the team’s progress.

Though there were other viable options to replace Hafley, finding a coordinator who meshes with head coach Matt LaFleur’s creative style was never a guarantee. The Packers had already missed out on other candidates, including Mike Pettine and Joe Barry. Now, with Hafley staying put, the Packers can continue their defensive evolution and avoid a potential setback.

While Hafley is still a sought-after candidate by other NFL teams, such as the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints, the Jets were the only team to formally interview him. For now, Green Bay can rest easy knowing that Hafley will stay with them for at least another season. However, if his defensive success continues into 2025, it’s possible other teams will make a more aggressive push for him, so his future in Green Bay remains uncertain.

In another development, Packers vice president of player personnel, Jon-Eric Sullivan, also interviewed for the Jets’ general manager position. While he remains in contention, the Jets’ decision to hire Glenn suggests that Lance Newmark, assistant GM for the Washington Commanders, may ultimately land the job. Either way, this decision clears the path for the Packers to keep their current leadership intact.

Impact on the Detroit Lions: The NFC North Rivalry Heats Up

While the Packers are celebrating, the Detroit Lions may not be so thrilled with the Jets’ choice. Glenn’s hire adds a layer of complexity to the Lions’ future plans. As an NFC North rival, Detroit is already facing challenges after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who recently took the position with the Chicago Bears. This double loss within a short span of time puts significant pressure on Lions head coach Dan Campbell to rebuild his coaching staff.

While it’s certainly possible for Campbell to replace the coordinators, history suggests that it’s never an easy task. Even highly successful coaches like John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin faced difficulties in finding the right replacements when their coordinators left. In fact, in 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles struggled to replace their coordinators, Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon, leading to a rough stretch that culminated in a humbling wild card loss. Though the Eagles were able to rebound in 2024 with new hires, the transition is never seamless.

For Campbell, who operates more as a CEO-type head coach, having good play-callers is crucial to his success. In the early part of his tenure, the offense struggled under Anthony Lynn, leading to the promotion of Ben Johnson. While the Lions’ roster has improved significantly since then, losing both the offensive and defensive coordinators in a two-day span is a major hurdle.

The Bottom Line: A Strategic Move for the Packers

In the grand scheme of things, the Jets’ decision to hire Aaron Glenn is a blessing for the Green Bay Packers. Not only do they retain their key defensive coordinator in Hafley, but they also complicate life for their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions. As Green Bay looks to solidify its standing in the division, having stability within the coaching staff is crucial. For the Lions, however, this sudden turnover presents a challenge that could take time to overcome.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFC North, the Packers’ ability to retain their coaching staff while watching their rivals face coaching shakeups could provide the team with a significant advantage in the years to come. Fans in Green Bay can now look forward to another season of strong defensive play and watch as the rivalry with the Lions intensifies.