Summary of "Hour 1: Jets HC Rumors" - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast

Release Date: January 21, 2025

In the inaugural hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don LaGreca and Alan Hahn delve deep into the rumors swirling around the New York Jets' search for a new head coach (HC). The conversation primarily centers on Aaron Glenn as the leading candidate, exploring both his qualifications and the potential challenges he may face in the high-pressure environment of the Jets' franchise.

1. Introduction to Jets Head Coaching Rumors

The podcast kicks off with a brief acknowledgment of the lack of a show the previous day and sets the stage for a robust discussion on the Jets' coaching situation.

2. Aaron Glenn as the Front-Runner

Aaron Glenn's Candidacy: Don LaGreca introduces Aaron Glenn as a prominent candidate for the Jets' head coaching position, highlighting his history with the team and his strong desire to return.

• Don LaGreca [06:23]: "He's a former Jet. That's a check. A check that he really wants this job and he seems like he wants it badly."

Pros of Hiring Glenn:

• Familiarity with the Team: Glenn's history as a former player and defensive coordinator for the Jets.
• Strong Relationship with Quarterback Aaron Rodgers: Potential for cohesive teamwork.
• Passion for the Franchise: Demonstrated through his eagerness to take on the role.

Cons of Hiring Glenn:

• Lack of Head Coaching Experience: Concerns about his ability to handle the pressures of a major market like New York.

• Team's Recent Performance: The Jets have struggled since 2010, raising questions about whether Glenn can turn the tide quickly enough.

• Don LaGreca [07:59]: "But use the inexperience and it scares me. But everything else seems to make it a fit. But I just can't get over the inexperience."

3. Historical Context: Rookie Head Coaches in the NFL

Rare Successes: Alan Hahn provides historical context, noting that rookie head coaches leading teams to the Super Bowl is exceedingly rare, with only three instances in NFL history:

1. Jim Caldwell with the Indianapolis Colts
2. George Seifert with the San Francisco 49ers
3. Don McCafferty with the Colts

• Alan Hahn [12:14]: "If you don't know off top your head, guess, is it zero? I'll give you zero to three."

Comparison with Glenn: Don counters by emphasizing that the success of these coaches was buoyed by already strong, championship-caliber teams— a scenario not mirrored by the Jets.

• Don LaGreca [34:09]: "This is a Jet team that has been to the playoffs since 2010. They've had one winning season since then. So the three examples that you gave…"

4. Listener Insights: Keyshawn Johnson's Perspective

Support for Glenn: Keyshawn Johnson, a former player, joins the conversation to advocate strongly for Aaron Glenn, citing his comprehensive understanding of both offense and defense.

• Keyshawn Johnson [17:40]: "He's going to be demanding, the coach is going to be in place. And what you're basically getting is this. Parcels, Belichick, Sean Payton, Dan Campbell mix. That's what you're getting and that's a lot of success."

Addressing Defensive Concerns: When pressed about Glenn's recent defensive performance, Johnson remains steadfast, suggesting that one game should not overshadow Glenn's overall capabilities.

• Keyshawn Johnson [32:56]: "Okay, don't hire him then. Don't do it. … It's not reality."

5. Alternative Candidates: The Mike McCarthy Debate

Pros of McCarthy: Don LaGreca introduces Mike McCarthy as a viable alternative, emphasizing his extensive experience and prior success, including a Super Bowl win.

• Don LaGreca [19:11]: "If I'm looking to finish above .500, I'm looking to get the most out of my team. … He's got a relationship with the damn quarterback, I'd interview him."

Support from Johnson: While primarily advocating for Glenn, Keyshawn acknowledges McCarthy's credentials, albeit remaining biased towards Glenn.

• Keyshawn Johnson [36:11]: "If Mike McCarthy's in the building and that's who you want to hire, I'm not gonna say that's a bad hire. No, not at all."

Potential Issues with McCarthy: Don raises concerns about McCarthy's fit with the Jets, given his previous stint with the Dallas Cowboys and the unique challenges posed by the Jets' current roster.

6. Team Performance and Expectations

High Stakes Environment: Both hosts agree that unlike previous coaching successes, the Jets' environment demands immediate results, leaving little room for the typical "growing pains" associated with a new head coach.

• Don LaGreca [34:09]: "He's going to have to do good immediately. And that's tough. That's a lot to ask of a guy that was a DC his entire life…"

Aaron Rodgers' Potential Return: The discussion touches on the impact of quarterback Aaron Rodgers possibly staying with the Jets, adding another layer of expectation and pressure on the new head coach.

• Alan Hahn [24:08]: "But it does make you feel a little bit better about Aaron Rodgers that he wants, that he might want to stay. If he decides to play, it'll be here."

7. Concluding Thoughts

Balancing Experience and Potential: The episode wraps up with a reflection on the delicate balance between hiring a coach with proven experience versus one with deep ties and genuine passion for the team.

• Don LaGreca [34:09]: "That's why this feeling what the feeling for this time around when you're looking for a head coach is bring in someone that just has experience…"

Final Endorsement: Despite concerns, there's a lingering optimism about Glenn's potential to revitalize the Jets, provided he can navigate the immediate challenges effectively.

Notable Quotes

• Don LaGreca [06:23]: "He's a former Jet. That's a check. A check that he really wants this job and he seems like he wants it badly."

• Alan Hahn [12:14]: "If you don't know off top your head, guess, is it zero? I'll give you zero to three."

• Keyshawn Johnson [17:40]: "He's going to be demanding, the coach is going to be in place… that's a lot of success."

• Don LaGreca [34:09]: "He's going to have to do good immediately. And that's tough."

Conclusion

The first hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of the New York Jets' head coaching search, spotlighting Aaron Glenn as a frontrunner while weighing the merits of alternative candidates like Mike McCarthy. Through expert opinions and historical comparisons, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in making such a pivotal decision for the franchise's future.