aeAfter they finished the 2025 season at 3-14, the New York Jets reaffirmed their commitment to Aaron Glenn as head coach. While the first-year head coach struggled immensely, the team believes in him long-term. Thanks to general manager Darren Mougey, New York has the tools to make substantial additions this offseason. Including potentially drafting their future quarterback with the second overall pick. However, a recent development could significantly alter the situation.
On Monday, longtime Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was relieved of duties after missing the playoffs. Hired in 2008, Harbaugh’s tenure with the Ravens ends after 18 seasons and a regular-season record of 180-113. Along with reaching the playoffs in 12 of those seasons, including a Super Bowl 47 victory in 2012 over the San Francisco 49ers. (led by his younger brother and current Los Angeles Chargers head coach, Jim Harbaugh). Due to Harbaugh’s extensive track record, could he force the Jets’ hand to move on from Aaron Glenn to lead the team?
Sources: John Harbaugh is out as the Ravens head coach. pic.twitter.com/Rht9ssh01j
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2026
Could Jets Make HC Move Now That John Harbaugh Is Available?
In 2008, the Baltimore Ravens hired longtime Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach John Harbaugh to replace Brian Billick as head coach. After nearly a decade working under Andy Reid, it was Harbaugh’s first shot as a head coach. Before accepting the position, Harbaugh served as special teams coordinator for the Eagles from 1998 to 2006, then moved on to defensive backs coach in 2007. Harbaugh’s hire was unique because rarely does a coach move onto a head coaching job without any offensive or defensive coordinator experience. However, with a stellar defense and a great rookie campaign from first-round pick quarterback Joe Flacco, Harbaugh had an excellent first season. The 2008 Ravens not only had a winning record, but reached the AFC Championship game before losing to their AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Playoff Success in Baltimore
This resulted in the start of five consecutive playoff appearances for the Ravens. Which culminated in Baltimore winning its second Super Bowl in franchise history, defeating the San Francisco 49ers, 34-31. This also marked the first time two brothers coached in the Super Bowl after John defeated his younger brother Jim. Jim Harbaugh won the NFC Championship in his second season with the 49ers. However, after the Super Bowl, Baltimore struggled to adjust, missing the playoffs in four of the next five seasons.
It wasn’t until 2018 that Baltimore would start to rebound. After sitting out a majority of his rookie season, 2018 first-round pick Lamar Jackson revitalized the Ravens offense. In 2019, Jackson led the league in touchdown passes and captured his first NFL MVP. Baltimore finished with a record of 14-2 that season. However, they were swiftly eliminated in the Divisional round against the Tennessee Titans.
A pairing that ran its course
It’s hard to call John Harbaugh a bad head coach. After reaching the playoffs in 12 of his 18 seasons, he laid a decent foundation for the Ravens to build upon. However, after 2019, Baltimore would be only good enough to just miss a third Super Bowl appearance. Between 2022 and 2024, the Ravens would be eliminated by the Cincinnati Bengals, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Buffalo Bills, respectively. Despite reaching the AFC Championship in 2023, the Ravens looked overmatched vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, who would capture their second consecutive Super Bowl that year. However, after failing to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Ravens had their second losing season in the last five years. Despite all of his contributions over his near two decade tenure, Baltimore decided it was best to gain a new voice of leadership.
Harbaugh could be an upgrade over Aaron Glenn in New York
There’s no way to sugarcoat how rough of a first year Aaron Glenn had in his return to the Jets. The loss of star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and an overwhelmed quarterback room torpedoed the passing game. Injuries across the defense forced them to start practice-squad players over the last five weeks of the season. The team’s only saving grace was an above-average special teams unit led by coordinator Chris Banjo. Glenn earned the fanbase’s respect as a cornerback in New York during the 90s. However, he experienced so many growing pains that it’s understandable to question if he can be trusted with their future draft capital.
John Harbaugh will have a lot of interest from teams this offseason. But the Jets provide Harbaugh with a unique opportunity. If John Harbaugh came to the Jets, he’d have access to four draft picks within the top 45 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Not to mention the sixth-largest cap space in the league. Along with three first-round picks available in 2027. It’s unknown whether New York will move on from Aaron Glenn now. His job is safe entering the offseason. However, with the prospect of adding John Harbaugh, would it be wise to avoid taking the swing on the ex-Ravens head coach?
Main Photo: [Jeff Hanisch] – Imagn Images