Under-the-radar NY Jets coaching decision could prevent Garrett Wilson trade

There's a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the NY Jets following the hiring of new head coach Aaron Glenn. He'll be tasked with reversing the fortunes of a franchise that has long been the NFL's punching bag.

That's not all Glenn may be asked to deal with, however. The first-time head coach might also be forced to navigate a contentious situation with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, whose frustrations with the organization could manifest in the form of a trade request this offseason.

Wilson has privately and publicly made it clear that he's unhappy in his current situation. While he hasn't made any formal trade requests just yet, there's reportedly a growing sentiment around the NFL that it's only a matter of time before he asks out.

The Jets are doing everything in their power to make sure that doesn't happen. One move that could be directly related to this desire is the Jets' reported decision to retain wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson in 2025.

This one minor move could help convince Wilson to stick around in Florham Park, at least for another year.

The NY Jets are doing everything they can to avoid a Garrett Wilson trade request

SNY's Connor Hughes reported on Friday that the Jets have decided to keep Jefferson as part of Glenn's initial staff. Jefferson is the only known holdover from last year's coaching staff to this point.

A former NFL wide receiver, Jefferson previously served as the Jets' wide receivers coach under Adam Gase from 2019 to 2020. He'd spend a few seasons in Arizona and Carolina before returning to the Jets as part of Robert Saleh's staff in 2024.

Jefferson notably developed a strong relationship with Wilson during his first year back with the Jets and could serve as a potential olive branch of sorts to the disgruntled receiver

Jefferson also has a connection to Bill Parcells, having played under him for a year when Parcells was the head coach of the New England Patriots. Given that Parcells is Glenn's biggest mentor, this relationship likely played a role in the Jets' decision to retain him.

It's certainly notable that the Jets haven't retained any other members of their 2024 coaching staff, including highly regarded defensive assistants Tony Oden and Aaron Whitecotton. Jefferson's retention certainly raises a few eyebrows.

The Jets are doing everything they can to keep Garrett Wilson happy. If retaining their wide receivers coach is part of that effort, they won't clearly hesitate to make it happen.

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