Jets coach Aaron Glenn seeks outside help after stunning QB benching

The New York Jets’ season has taken another painful turn. After falling to 0-7 following a 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 7, head coach Aaron Glenn made the bold choice to bench quarterback Justin Fields at halftime.

The move, meant to spark a struggling offense, failed to deliver results. Tyrod Taylor replaced Fields but threw two interceptions, and the Jets’ touchdown drought stretched to a third straight game.

Now, Glenn admits he is looking beyond his own staff for guidance as he faces mounting pressure and an uncertain quarterback situation.

Glenn’s quarterback dilemma deepens

Glenn said after the game that benching Fields was not a decision made lightly.

“It’s always a tough decision, but as the head coach you have to take a look at the team to see what is best for you to put yourself in a position to go win the game,” he told reporters.

The rookie head coach informed both quarterbacks and the offensive staff of his plan at halftime before making the switch. The Jets’ offense has been flat for weeks. Fields threw for just 45 yards and was sacked for 55 yards in Week 6, followed by another poor start against Carolina.

Taylor’s brief appearance offered little improvement, and Glenn is now unsure who will start in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“That’s something that I want to continue to look at,” Glenn said. “And then being able to ask other coaches that have been in this situation, and how they handled that.”

Glenn is expected to seek advice from coaching peers, possibly including his former boss, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell. Before joining the Jets, Glenn served as Campbell’s defensive coordinator in Detroit, where Campbell endured his own rocky start before turning things around.

After moving on from Aaron Rodgers, now 4-2 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York invested $40 million in Fields on a two-year deal. Yet the results have been disastrous.

The Jets remain the NFL’s only winless team, their offense without a touchdown since Week 5. Glenn acknowledged shared responsibility, saying,

“We have to continue to figure out how do we put him in the best position to be successful. We’re not just going to say it’s Justin’s fault. We’re not just going to say it’s coaching.”

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