7 realistic OC candidates for Aaron Glenn's hypothetical NY Jets coaching staff

The NY Jets appear to be on the verge of hiring Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their new head coach. The Jets will begin a fresh chapter of their organization with a new head coach, a new general manager, and quite possibly a new quarterback.

Glenn is a highly regarded defensive mind who has garnered a reputation for being a "players coach" who could transform a locker room's culture. There are concerns about his ability to put together a coaching staff, however, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

But if the Jets do ultimately hire Glenn, what might the rest of his staff look like? We take a look at six potential offensive coordinator candidates the Jets could consider pairing with their potentially new head coach.

NY Jets OC options if Aaron Glenn is hired as HC

7. Pete Carmichael

A longtime New Orleans assistant, Pete Carmichael spent a whopping 14 years as the Saints' offensive coordinator, primarily under Sean Payton. That's where he crossed paths with Glenn, who served as the Saints' defensive back coach from 2016 to 2020.

Carmichael found plenty of success in New Orleans with Drew Brees as his quarterback (the two previously worked together with the San Diego Chargers), but the team's offensive struggles after Brees and Payton left ultimately led to his firing.

He spent the 2024 season working as a senior offensive assistant under Payton in Denver. If the Jets are looking for an experienced OC candidate with ties to Glenn, Carmichael makes some sense, even if he would be an underwhelming hire.

6. John Morton

Jets fans might remember John Morton as the man who helped a Josh McCown-led offense put together a competent offensive season back in 2017. That season was Morton's only year of offensive coordinator experience at the NFL level, but it was quietly a respectable one.

Morton overlapped with Glenn in 2016 when the former was serving as the Saints' wide receivers coach and again in 2022 when he joined the Lions staff as a senior offensive assistant. Since 2023, Morton has been the Broncos' pass game coordinator under Payton.

Morton's connections to both Glenn and the Jets organization make him an obvious fit for the job. It might be worth seeing what he could do in an offensive coordinator role again.

5. Anthony Lynn

Another coach with ties to both Glenn and the Jets is Anthony Lynn. The former Los Angeles Chargers head coach was the Jets' running backs coach under Rex Ryan from 2009 to 2014, even earning the title of assistant head coach at one point.

Lynn has had stints as an offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions, the latter of which was when he crossed paths with Glenn. Lynn also worked with new general manager Lance Newmark this past season as the Washington Commanders' run game coordinator/running backs coach.

Not for nothing, Lynn was also hired by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, who coincidentally helped lead the team's head coach/general manager search this offseason. Don't be surprised if Lynn has some role on Glenn's staff even if he isn't brought in as an OC.

4. Scott Turner

One name that's already been connected to the Jets' offensive coordinator job under Glenn is Scott Turner. SNY's Connor Hughes reported on Tuesday that Turner has already spoken to Glenn about the position.

The son of former NFL head coach Norv Turner, Scott most recently served as the Las Vegas Raiders' passing game coordinator in 2023 and 2024 before being named interim offensive coordinator following the firing of Luke Getsy.

Turner spent three years as the Commanders' OC from 2020 to 2022 and was underwhelming in his Raiders stint, but he's never exactly been given impressive offensive personnel to work with. This wouldn't be the most exciting hire for the Jets.

3. Nick Caley

Nick Caley is the other offensive coordinator candidate who has reportedly already spoken to Glenn about the job, per Hughes. Caley actually interviewed for the Jets OC job back in 2023 before the team hired Nathaniel Hackett.

A longtime Bill Belichick assistant, Caley has primarily worked as a tight ends coach but was also given the title of pass game coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024. Working alongside Sean McVay has made Caley a popular offensive coordinator candidate this offseason.

Caley was also seen as a strong contender for the Patriots' offensive coordinator job before the team re-hired Josh McDaniels. He should be seen as a very feasible option for the Jets.

2. Mark Brunell

Glenn isn't the only former Jets player who could be joining the team's coaching staff in 2025. FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Tuesday night that longtime NFL quarterback Mark Brunell would be "in play" for the Jets offensive coordinator job if Glenn is hired.

Brunell nearly two decades as a quarterback in the NFL, making three Pro Bowls as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had a brief stint as the Jets' backup quarterback from 2010-2011 before he officially called it quits on his playing career.

Brunell's only NFL coaching experience so far has been as the Lions' quarterbacks coach, making him a risky choice for offensive coordinator. However, with nearly 20 years of experience as an NFL player, he certainly brings plenty of knowledge to the table.

1. Klint Kubiak

This would be the most exciting hire on this list. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported on Tuesday that Klint Kubiak, the oldest son of longtime NFL head coach Gary Kubiak, is "in the mix" for the Jets' offensive coordinator position.

Kubiak worked under Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota and became the Vikings' offensive coordinator in 2021, succeeding his father. Unfortunately, despite leading a top-12 offense and getting some excellent quarterback play out of Kirk Cousins, he was not retained following the departure of Mike Zimmer.

After a year as a passing game coordinator under Kyle Shanahan in 2023, Kubiak was hired as the Saints' offensive coordinator this past season. Despite his team's struggles, Kubiak once again got solid QB play out of Derek Carr when he was healthy.

Kubiak is a highly regarded offensive mind and one of the top offensive coordinator candidates on the market this offseason. He’s considered a strong contender for the Seahawks' job and has already interviewed with the Browns, but if the Jets manage to land him, he would be an excellent hire.