The New York Jets are hoping for a turnaround in Aaron Glenn's second season after a 3-14 finish in 2025. One NFL analyst believes there are enough similarities between Glenn's early tenure and Dan Campbell's start in Detroit to suggest the Jets could be on a similar path.

According to AtoZ Sports' Mike Payton, Glenn's start in New York shares several similarities with Dan Campbell's early years in Detroit, giving Jets fans reason to believe a turnaround could be on the horizon.

"Glenn’s first year with the Jets and Campbell’s first year with the Lions share so many parallels that it’s hard to ignore," wrote Mike Payton on AtoZ Sports. "The Jets’ 2026 offseason, their NFL Draft haul, and their schedule all point toward a team ready to take a significant step forward, the same way Detroit did in Campbell’s second season."

Last year, the Jets came last in the AFC East, becoming the first NFL team since 1933 to complete a season without recording a defensive interception.

Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports argued that Detroit's rise was built on patience and not instant success. During his first season at Detroit, Campbell won only three matches, yet the franchise showed confidence in him and kept adding more young talent.

According to Payton, Glenn is currently in the same situation as Campbell was, but with improved personnel and a more favorable setup. During the offseason, the Jets strengthened their roster by adding key players.

Detroit took a step forward in Campbell's second season after sticking with its long-term plan. Payton believes the Jets have positioned themselves for a similar jump after strengthening the roster during the offseason.

Glenn brought changes in the coaching staff by hiring Frank Reich as offensive coordinator and Brian Duker as defensive coordinator. Glenn was Detroit's defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2024 before he became the Jets' head coach.

Payton's confidence in Glenn goes beyond the similarities between the two coaches. He even believes Glenn has the potential to become the best head coach to emerge from Detroit's coaching tree.

NFL analyst believes Aaron Glenn can surpass Dan Campbell

Despite Glenn's difficult debut season with the Jets, Payton remains convinced the former Lions defensive coordinator has the potential to become the most successful head coach from Detroit's coaching tree.

"People think I’m crazy when I say I still believe Glenn is the better head coach from the Lions’ coaching tree," wrote Payton on A to Z Sports.

Payton argued that judging coaches after a single year often overlooks the situations they go through. That one challenging season should not define a coach's long-term future.

Payton believes Campbell's turnaround showed what patience can accomplish. With the Jets following a similar path under Glenn, he argues the team deserves the same opportunity before any long-term judgments are made.

What are your thoughts on the comparison between Glen and Campbell? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Rudra Dubey