Jets nearly hired Mike Vrabel before Patriots swooped in and stole him

The New York Jets’ coaching search last winter might have unfolded very differently if not for one last-minute twist. While the Jets would eventually hire Aaron Glenn to be the 22nd head coach in franchise history, it seems as though he wasn't necessarily their preferred target.

SNY’s Connor Hughes reported on Wednesday that the Jets were “all in” on Mike Vrabel, so much so that they considered him their top option by a wide margin.

The Jets' front office was reportedly ready to hand him the keys to the franchise, offering full control and more money to convince him to choose Florham Park over Foxborough. Vrabel, for his part, was apparently genuinely interested.

Per Hughes, he didn’t use the Jets as leverage or a bargaining chip. Had the Patriots' job not opened, Vrabel likely would have accepted the Jets position, according to this report.

When New England suddenly became available, the Jets made one final desperate call to change his mind, but by then, it was too late. Vrabel was headed back to the AFC East, just not in green and white.

Jets wanted to hire Mike Vrabel to be their head coach instead of Aaron Glenn

That revelation adds an ironic layer to tonight's primetime matchup between the Jets and Vrabel’s first-place Patriots. As the Jets prepare to face the coach they almost landed, it’s hard not to wonder how different things might look if that last-second phone call had worked.

The Jets ultimately pivoted to Glenn, a franchise legend and a respected defensive mind who brought an energetic, culture-driven approach. His first year, however, has been far from smooth.

The Jets stumbled to an 0-7 start, plagued by offensive ineptitude and quarterback woes, before finally showing signs of life in recent weeks. They’ve won two straight, including a wild 39-38 win over Cincinnati and a gritty 27-20 victory over Cleveland, giving Glenn some much-needed breathing room.

Glenn has developed a reputation for keeping things in-house, refusing to name starters or provide injury updates, which has frustrated reporters but seemingly strengthened his locker room’s trust.

Players have spoken publicly about his accountability and energy, and the defense has responded with some of its best football of the season in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Vrabel has quickly reignited the Patriots, guiding them to the top of the AFC East on the back of a seven-game winning streak. His success doesn't come as a surprise to many who saw him thrive in Tennessee for years.

For all of the Jets' progress under Glenn, Thursday night’s matchup serves as a reminder of what might have been, and what still could be if Glenn eventually reaches his ceiling in Florham Park.

The Jets didn’t get their first choice. But if Aaron Glenn continues to win over his players and turn gradual improvement into organizational stability, they might still have found the right one.