Aaron Glenn shuts down critics with viral Jets sideline celebration response

Aaron Glenn is going to be his true, authentic self no matter the occasion. One would think that New York Jets fans who spent years watching him suit up in green and white would know that by now, but Sunday's Week 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers proved that isn't the case.

Glenn went viral after the game for his flamboyant sideline celebration following Will McDonald's miraculous blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown. The first-year head coach danced on the sideline before celebrating with his players and fellow coaches.

It was a triumphant moment for a Jets team that had just completed a 17-point fourth-quarter comeback — an understandable time for a head coach to celebrate his team's success. But not everyone shared that opinion.

A portion of the fan base criticized Glenn for celebrating too early or “acting like a fan,” with some even claiming his enthusiasm was fake. Clearly, anyone saying that doesn’t understand who Glenn is as a coach or as a person.

Glenn made that clear when speaking to reporters on Thursday, offering a perfect response to the asinine criticism.

"Here’s what I do know: I’m always going to be me. Listen, these guys need someone who’s going to show they believe in them and that’s going to be proud when they make plays…If I didn’t do that, my wife and kids would’ve said, ‘What’s happening? What’s going on with you?’ I’m glad that I’m never going to be fake. I’m always going to be me."

Aaron Glenn

Aaron Glenn offered the perfect response to senseless Jets fan criticism

Aaron Glenn is unapologetically Aaron Glenn. He coaches with his heart on his sleeve, celebrates every success his players earn, and holds them accountable without hesitation. Being anything less than authentic has never been, and never will be, in his nature.

Those very traits have seemingly already rubbed a small segment of the fan base the wrong way — fans who likely decided long ago that Glenn would be a bad hire. As usual, the critics just happen to be the loudest voices in the room.

But the reality is far simpler. Glenn coaches with conviction, not for applause or approval. His focus is on getting the best out of his players, not pleasing the sidelines.

The jury is still out on whether his approach will translate to wins, but his sideline celebrations won’t determine his success in Florham Park. They’re just needless noise, distracting from the real conversation, which is how the team performs on the field.

Glenn’s focus remains squarely on his players and the execution of the game plan. Everything else — the criticism, the viral clips — is meaningless. In the end, his results on the field will speak far louder than any sideline moment ever could.

More NY Jets news and analysis: