Aaron Glenn, like Darren Mougey before him, wouldn’t go into any details about their conversation with Aaron Rodgers or particulars on the decision to move on, but the new Jets head coach did address the reaction from some players after it was revealed that Rodgers wouldn’t be back.
“Yes, I have talked to them,” Glenn told reporters at the combine on Tuesday. “Listen, I understand the reaction of the players. But I will say this: Every decision that me and Moug make is to win, and to win now. I understand it, but this isn't going to be the last decision I make that will upset some people, and that's okay.
“As men, we talk about it. we make sure we keep it in house, and that’s what we’re gonna continue to do.”
Quinnen Williams, one of the team’s leaders, responded with a thumbs down on X right after news broke that the Jets weren’t bringing Rodgers back, and Glenn made it clear that he has addressed the matter with his new team, and is establishing the culture that whoever takes Rodgers’ place, they better be ready to contribute to winning in the here and now.
Though Glenn took exception to the idea that there aren’t already people in the locker room that can contribute to winning, including those that were openly frustrated with the Rodgers decision.
“We’re looking for winners. We’re confident that we’re trying to win games,” Glenn said. “I don’t want to disrespect any other players we have on our team. It kind of pisses me off - and some of the players - that that’s what we all talk about. We have Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams, AVT, Joe Tippmann. All those guys need to be respected also.”
Now that Rodgers is out, Glenn and the Jets move forward to plotting out the roster that will make up Glenn’s first squad to lead as head coach, and the work is just beginning.
“I’m excited for the forward thinking of this group, and what we’re gonna do as a team,” Glenn said. “We’re here to win now, and we’re looking forward to it.”