Jets Clean House After Historic 2025 Collapse

The New York Jets’ 2025 season will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. With a 3-14 record, the team extended its playoff drought to 15 seasons, the longest active stretch across North American professional sports. Fans endured a campaign marked by offensive struggles, defensive collapses, and historic lows that underscored a franchise in turmoil.

Head coach Aaron Glenn, who endured a difficult debut at the helm, will remain in charge, but significant personnel changes are underway. The Jets have begun overhauling their coaching staff in response to a season that included embarrassing blowouts and unprecedented statistical failures. While some roles remain stable, others have been cleared out entirely in an effort to reset the team’s direction.

Among the casualties were high-profile assistants, including defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was fired following a lopsided Week 15 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Additional firings announced this week signal that the Jets are seeking a wholesale shift in coaching philosophy. The moves are both a response to the 2025 collapse and a proactive step toward rebuilding a struggling franchise.

The Jets face a critical offseason as they attempt to reverse a long-standing culture of losing. With key positions open and interviews underway for replacements, New York’s leadership aims to assemble a staff capable of guiding the team back toward competitiveness in 2026.

1. Staff Overhaul

New York’s coaching shakeup has been extensive. Quarterbacks coach Charles London, pass game coordinator Scott Turner, defensive line coach Eric Washington, linebackers coach Aaron Curry, and defensive assistants Roosevelt Williams and Alonso Escalante were all released, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. The firings represent one of the most significant mid-level staff cleanups in recent team history. The rationale for the purge is clear: after a historically poor season, leadership concluded that many of the assistants were not equipped to meet the franchise’s expectations. Defensive missteps, in particular, prompted urgent changes, as Wilks’ departure highlighted the need for fresh perspective and leadership on that side of the ball. Despite the upheaval, some continuity remains. First-year offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has retained his position under Glenn, though it is uncertain whether he will continue calling plays in 2026. His retention suggests the organization sees potential in certain areas even amid widespread disappointment. The staff overhaul reflects a dual approach: maintain promising elements while removing coaches linked to repeated failures. How these changes translate to on-field performance will be a key storyline heading into the next season.

2. Offensive Struggles Persist

The Jets’ offensive woes remained a central issue throughout the year. New York finished 29th in total offense and scoring, continuing a multi-year trend of underperformance on that side of the ball. Despite some young talent on the roster, the unit failed to generate consistent production, leaving the team unable to compete in many games. Quarterback play was inconsistent, and the supporting cast did little to alleviate pressure. Injuries and a lack of depth contributed, but systemic issues in coaching and game planning were equally apparent. Analysts noted that even with a more talented roster, the Jets’ offensive philosophy has yet to show significant improvement under Glenn. Engstrand’s retention may provide some continuity for the offense, but it also raises questions about whether the current approach is sufficient. The team’s inability to sustain drives or convert scoring opportunities was a recurring theme, compounding frustration for fans and management alike. Ultimately, the offense must evolve to complement any changes on defense, or the Jets risk repeating another season of poor results despite personnel shifts.

3. Defensive Decline and Record Lows

While the offense struggled, the defensive regression was even more alarming. New York fell to 25th in total defense, a sharp decline after three consecutive top-four finishes in prior seasons. The team ranked 31st in defensive scoring and endured historically low performances, including a season without a single interception. The Jets also closed the year with five consecutive losses by 23 or more points, setting a new benchmark for futility. Such statistical anomalies illustrate the depth of the franchise’s problems and underscore the urgency of leadership changes. Glenn and management are actively seeking a new defensive coordinator, with eight candidates, including Wink Martindale, interviewed so far. The defensive overhaul will be crucial to any potential turnaround. Filling roles such as quarterbacks coach, pass game coordinator, and other key assistant positions will be essential to improving both strategy and player development. How effectively these hires integrate with Glenn’s system will largely determine whether the Jets can emerge from their prolonged slump.