Aaron Glenn eyeing beloved former NY Jets coach to add to his staff

The NY Jets are reportedly closing in on a deal to hire Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their next head coach. No agreement has been reached at the time of writing, but all signs point to the two sides working something out in the very near future.

Glenn has already begun the process of putting together his coaching staff. A number of different names, ranging from Nick Caley to Klint Kubiak, have been discussed for Glenn's offensive coordinator. Former NFL head coach Steve Wilks might be a frontrunner for the defensive coordinator role.

Those aren't the only coaches Glenn is reportedly eyeing, however. FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Tuesday night that Glenn could look to bring in former Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff in some capacity.

It's unclear if Westhoff would return to his former role as a special teams coordinator or if he would serve in a reduced role, but it seems Glenn, who crossed paths with the ex-Jets coach in New Orleans, wants him on his staff.

Aaron Glenn wants Mike Westhoff to join his NY Jets coaching staff

Westhoff served as the Jets' special teams coordinator from 2001 to 2012, earning a reputation as one of the greatest special teams minds in NFL history. He retired from coaching following the 2012 season, only to resurface a few years later as Sean Payton's new special teams coordinator in New Orleans.

After two seasons with the Saints, Westhoff retired for a second time, only to eventually return to the league as Sean Payton's assistant head coach in Denver. He held that role until November of last year when health issues forced him to step down.

Hearing Westhoff’s name linked to coaching rumors again so soon after stepping away is certainly surprising, but if he’s healthy enough to make a return, his addition would undoubtedly be a significant coup for the Jets.

The Jets could potentially look to Westhoff’s longtime protégé, Ben Kotwica, if Westhoff isn’t able to return. While Kotwica hasn’t worked directly with Glenn, he spent seven years with the Jets’ organization and served as their special teams coordinator in 2013.

Schultz also reported that Glenn could hire longtime NFL quarterback Mark Brunell, currently the Detroit Lions' quarterbacks coach, as his offensive coordinator. Brunell also has ties to the Jets, having spent two years as a backup with the team under Rex Ryan.

The Jets are seemingly looking to keep it in the family this coaching cycle. Glenn, Westhoff, and Brunell could all be returning to their former home in the near future.

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