Aaron Glenn’s Coaching Journey: Guidance from Bill Cowher
Aaron Glenn has opened up about various coaching influences this season, mentioning figures like Bill Parcells and Dan Campbell among those he’s turned to for advice. Yet, he also credits Bill Cowher, a Hall of Fame coach, who played a role in his initial season as a head coach.
Cowher, a former Steelers coach now with CBS, connected with Glenn during his time as a defensive coordinator in Detroit. They met several times, and when Glenn took the Jets job, Cowher reached out with some practical advice.
“During training camp, I told him to be involved in all three phases of the game,” Cowher shared recently. “You have to delegate responsibilities, but sometimes, you also need to step in. Ultimately, it’s your team, your decisions. Make sure you’re aware of every aspect, from the draft to free agents, and keep track of your salary cap situation.” He added that it’s important for Glenn to remain flexible—”there’s no script for being a first-time head coach. There are only lessons learned.”
Throughout the season, Cowher and Glenn have kept in touch via email every so often. Despite the Jets’ challenging record of 2-9, Cowher sees potentially positive signs emerging from Glenn’s approach.
“I think quarterback inconsistency has affected the overall team performance,” Cowher remarked. “Glenn is working on rebuilding the team, and while first years are tough, I won’t judge based on wins and losses. I can see the team is still playing hard for him, and he’s evaluating their current standing.” Cowher himself took over a Steelers team in 1992 that was struggling to make the playoffs, but he found success quickly, reaching the postseason in each of his first six seasons.
It’s clear that transitioning into a head coach can be quite overwhelming, Cowher acknowledged. “You really don’t grasp all the responsibilities at first; it’s all about compartmentalizing those duties. It’s a learning experience. But whatever you do, you need to remain authentic. Players can sense inauthenticity,” he advised.
Right now, Cowher believes Glenn’s main challenge revolves around establishing a strong program. “He’s trying to build a rich culture and a new identity in a place that desperately needs it, and such change takes time,” he noted.
With six games left in his debut season, Glenn faces a significant offseason ahead. Cowher is a believer in his potential, saying, “He played with passion, and I see that same fire in him. The media scrutiny in New York adds difficulty, but building trust with players is crucial. It’s a matter of choosing your battles wisely and continually refining your approach.”
