Jets assistant coach could be on thin ice after latest insider report

The New York Jets have used the 2025 season as an evaluation year. Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn have spent it determining who fits their long-term vision, both on the roster and within the coaching staff.

Glenn already made one major shake-up to his staff, firing defensive coordinator Steve Wilks earlier this month. Wilks was replaced internally by defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Chris Harris, as the Jets will search for a new DC in the offseason.

And it sounds like more changes might be coming. ESPN's Rich Cimini reported Sunday morning that Jets fans shouldn't be surprised if more moves are made, "especially on defense." One coach he specifically mentioned was defensive line coach Eric Washington.

Washington has some of the most experience on the Jets' defensive staff, having spent 2024 as the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator. However, as Jets fans saw with Wilks, experience doesn't always equate to competency, and it's safe to say the team's defensive line has underperformed this season.

Jets could fire Eric Washington and make other coaching staff changes

Washington has spent the better part of his nearly 20-year NFL career as a defensive line coach, though he’s also had multiple stints as a defensive coordinator. His first opportunity came with the Panthers from 2018 to 2019 before he received another shot with the Bears last season.

Washington has overseen a Jets defensive line that has had its struggles in 2025. While summer acquisitions Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs have been revelations for the team's defensive tackle room, the less said about the Jets' edge rusher group, the better.

Will McDonald put together a disappointing 2025 season, finishing with eight sacks before being placed on injured reserve Saturday. Four of those sacks came in a single game, and his streakiness — combined with his struggles against the run — has raised questions about his long-term future.

Meanwhile, Jermaine Johnson has looked like a shell of his former self this season, recording just three sacks in 13 games. While some of that can be attributed to this being his first season back from a torn Achilles, the Jets likely expected more from the former Pro Bowler.

The rest of the Jets' defensive line rotation is a mix of warm bodies and non-NFL players, such as Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor, Jay Tufele, Eric Watts, Mazi Smith, and fifth-round pick Tyler Baron, all of whom seem unlikely to be on the Week 1 roster next season.

The Jets could also consider making additional changes to their coaching staff, with assistants such as quarterbacks coach Charles London, wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, and linebackers coach Aaron Curry emerging as potential candidates.

Either way, more changes appear to be coming to Aaron Glenn’s staff, and they could extend to the defensive line coach position.