NY Jets move on from hated assistant coach as Aaron Glenn's staff takes shape

A rookie head coach's first coaching staff is one of the most important determining factors of their success. The NY Jets are hoping that first-time head coach Aaron Glenn's staff will lay the foundation for sustained success moving forward.

That staff began to take shape on Wednesday as Glenn made a few notable additions in the form of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, offensive line coach Steve Heiden, and special teams coordinator Chris Banjo.

Just as notable as the additions are the coaches the Jets won't be bringing back. One such assistant who will not be returning is offensive line coach Keith Carter.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Wednesday that the Jets are expected to part ways with Carter, who received significant criticism during his time in Florham Park. Heiden is being brought in to serve as Carter's replacement.

Keith Carter will not be on Aaron Glenn's first NY Jets coaching staff

Carter was hired by the Jets as the team's offensive line coach and run game coordinator in 2023. The former Titans assistant garnered a poor reputation in Tennessee and was infamously not well-liked by players.

Multiple Titans players were vocal about their dissatisfaction with Keith Carter, and his reputation didn't improve with the Jets. Reports indicated that Carter also struggled to connect with Jets players, including Mekhi Becton, who subtly expressed his frustrations on social media.

For what it's worth, the Jets' offensive line did put together an encouraging 2024 season, with the likes of Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker forming an impressive core to build around. Regardless, it was time to move on.

It doesn't appear as though Glenn will be retaining any members of the Jets' 2024 coaching staff. He had interest in bringing back defensive backs coach Tony Oden and defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, but both assistants left for new jobs with the Titans and Cowboys, respectively.

Other key assistants such as linebackers coach Mike Rutenberg (Falcons), safeties coach Marquand Manuel (Giants), running backs coach Tony Dews (Patriots), and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer (49ers) have all joined new teams. Tight ends coach Ron Middleton is also not expected to be retained.

Boyer will be replaced by the aforementioned Banjo, who played under Glenn in New Orleans and comes with the Sean Payton endorsement. A Mike Westhoff protege, Banjo was the Denver Broncos' assistant special teams coach over the last two years,

Glenn’s coaching staff is slowly coming together with several defensive hires and a new special teams coordinator. Offensive coaches are expected to follow soon, with Detroit Lions passing game specialist Tanner Engstrand emerging as the top candidate for offensive coordinator.

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