The Jets have overhauled nearly their entire coaching staff beyond the head coach, with Aaron Glenn parting ways with multiple assistants and plans for a new offensive and defensive coordinator. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and the Jets reportedly split after a disagreement over his role.
The 2023 season was rough for the Jets, finishing with a 3-14 record. The team became the first in NFL history to go an entire season without an interception and dropped each of their last five games by at least 23 points, marking a 14-loss season that tied a franchise record previously reached under Rich Kotite and Adam Gase.
Gruden’s coaching career has been effectively in limbo since his 2021 exit from the Las Vegas Raiders, triggered by the disclosure of emails containing racist, sexist, and homophobic language. He sued the NFL, alleging a biased campaign to ruin his career by leaking the messages. The Nevada Supreme Court ruled in August that his case could proceed in court rather than arbitration, and the high court later denied the NFL’s petition to reconsider in October.
In July, Gruden hinted at a potential return to coaching, saying he hoped to make a comeback and that he was willing to coach at any level, even joking about coaching at a junior high. He noted he remained involved in the game through private assignments and by wearing gear while watching games “nobody knows about.”
At the trade deadline, the Jets moved Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for draft capital. They received the Colts’ 2026 first-round pick and the Cowboys’ 2026 second-round pick, giving the Jets additional draft ammunition and aligning with their broader rebuild. The team also faced multiple quarterback changes down the stretch, with three different starters starting after Justin Fields was benched and Tyrod Taylor was injured, culminating with Brady Cook taking the field at season’s end.
As the Jets pursue a new offensive coordinator and continue retooling their roster, Gruden’s comments to WDAE provide a counterpoint to the ongoing speculation about his coaching future.
