Glenn, Johnson Face Off As Jets Meet Bears
Two former Detroit colleagues, now head coaches, will lead their teams onto the field Sunday.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn will face a familiar opponent Sunday when his team travels to Soldier Field to play the Chicago Bears and their head coach, Ben Johnson.
Glenn and Johnson spent four seasons together as assistants in Detroit, with the last three involving them coordinating against each other in training camp. This Sunday marks their first contest as opposing head coaches.
The Jets, currently 1-2, are looking to secure a victory against a quality opponent. The Bears, with a 2-1 record, are expected to be without starting quarterback Caleb Williams, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Glenn reflected on his time working with Johnson, noting their collaborative planning sessions. "We put so much time in together of, when you have coordinators, offensive and defensive coordinator, you’re really planning practice," Glenn said. "You’re really planning things you want to see against each other, so the communication between me and him was always outstanding." He added that their competitive nature in practice scenarios ultimately made them both better coaches.
Johnson's Bears offense has demonstrated significant strength this season, ranking third in yards per game, fifth in points per game, and first in rushing yards.
Conversely, Glenn's Jets defense has also performed well, sitting second in yards allowed, 11th in points, and third against the pass.
Johnson expressed his respect for Glenn's coaching ability and leadership. "He commands respect from everybody in that locker room," Johnson said. "I know how the people felt about him in Detroit, and I can just imagine it’s very similar there in New York, from everything I can gather. I think it starts with that. He’s doing a fantastic job, as far as I’m concerned."
Johnson acknowledged the Jets' current record but emphasized the team's potential. "I get what their record is right now, but this is a team that’s really close to winning a lot of football games, and so this is a big week for us."