Steelers Now
The New York Jets have started calling coaching and general manager candidates to inform them they are going in another direction, according to Connor Hughes of SportsNet New York. Hughes’ sources are under the belief that Aaron Glenn and Lance Newmark will be named the team’s next HC, GM.
Steelers offensive coordinator interviewed for the Jets’ HC position last week. He also interviewed for the Chicago Bears head coach position but Chicago hired Ben Johnson.
Smith had previously interviewed with the Jets before they hired Robert Saleh in 2021. Smith then became the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons before he was fired and joined the Steelers.
NFL insider Dianna Russini also revealed in The Athletic this past summer that the Jets talked to Smith about a role helping Nathaniel Hackett. Essentially a de-facto OC position.
Smith rejected the offer, however, because the Jets were not clear about the role, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Smith also wasn’t all that interested. The opportunity to coach with Mike Tomlin and be a part of the Steelers organization was more appealing to Smith.
Glenn, 52, played for the Jets from 1994-2001, and worked for the team as a scout from 2012-13, which should seem like a natural homecoming.
If the deal goes through with the Jets, Glenn would become the third head coach to be hired in this cycle.
The New England Patriots made the first hire of the 2025 cycle last Sunday, signing former Steelers linebacker and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to replace Jerod Mayo. The Bears then hired highly touted Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The Steelers play the Patriots, Bears and Jets in 2025. All three teams will have new head coaches.
