NY Jets GM search takes unexpected turn after Aaron Glenn hire

The NY Jets have a new head coach. Multiple reports confirm the Jets have come to an agreement on a deal with former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. After weeks of speculation, Glenn is returning to New York — this time as a head coach.

The expectation has been that Glenn will be joined by Washington Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark. Newmark spent over 25 years in the Lions organization and was seen as an obvious GM candidate to pair with Glenn, but that might not be the case any longer.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported shortly after Glenn was hired that the Jets are expected to proceed with second interviews for general manager candidates. Newmark reportedly "remains [in] consideration," but it's far from a lock that he gets the job.

Newmark notably met with the Jets for a second time on Tuesday, the same day as Glenn, and many believed the two candidates were a package deal. That doesn't appear to be true, however.

NY Jets might not hire Lance Newmark as GM

ESPN's Rich Cimini confirmed Pelissero's report, insisting that the GM process is "ongoing." The Jets will interview other candidates for their general manager vacancy, which is probably the right decision.

The Las Vegas Raiders officially hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek on Wednesday, leaving the Jets with the NFL’s only remaining GM opening. There's no reason for the Jets to rush into any hires unless they are certain.

Newmark received some praise in recent days, but he wasn't seen by most as one of the top candidates on the market until his connection to Glenn became apparent.

Other names such as Philadelphia Eagles assistant general manager Alec Halaby, Green Bay Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan, Buffalo Bills assistant general manager Brian Gaine, and even longtime Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff are all probably more high-profile candidates.

There's also Detroit Lions special assistant to the owner and CEO Chris Spielman, notably the brother of former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, who is helping lead the Jets' general manager search. Spielman has obvious Detroit ties to Glenn along with Newmark.

The Jets will continue their search for a new general manager even after signing Glenn as head coach. While Newmark remains a strong candidate, what once seemed like a certainty is now far from guaranteed.

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