Glenn: Wilson outburst overblown, but 'it's going to get noisy' for Jets

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  Rich CiminiOct 26, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

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  Rich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Embattled New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn, who has lost 19 of 24 games, acknowledged Monday that "it's going to get noisy" on the outside. On the inside, too.

Commenting for the first time on Garrett Wilson's sideline outburst, Glenn said it was "overblown" by the media. At the same time, he said he spoke to the star wide receiver and will talk to him again.

Glenn also defended the team's offensive approach even though the star wide receiver was targeted only three times Sunday in the 28-25 loss to the previously winless Miami Dolphins.

On the CBS telecast, Wilson was seen barking at someone on the bench during the fourth quarter. The announcers said it was quarterback Geno Smith, but it was actually passing-game coordinator Seth Ryan, who relays communication from offensive coordinator Frank Reich in the booth.

On Monday, Glenn was asked how he feels about a player yelling at a coach. He turned the conversation back to Wilson and Smith.

"Well, I think sometimes that's overblown as far as what people think is happening," Glenn said. "Sometimes those conversations could be totally something else. And, listen, I know for a fact that Geno and Garrett, it was more or less, 'Man, let's get going and let's get the offense going' more than guys bickering at each other.

"I know what type of player Garrett is. I know what type of player Geno is, and I know where their heart's at, too."

After the game, both Wilson and Smith said they had no beef during the game. Wilson was said to be upset with the playcalling in the red zone.

Bottom line: The Jets (2-5) have lost two straight, with Wilson contributing only six catches for 70 yards in those games. Glenn and Reich have said repeatedly that the focus is to make sure Wilson gets plenty of touches, but he has been held to four or fewer receptions in their last three losses.

Wilson said he had a "resolution-based" conversation with Smith after the game, adding, "I want it in my hands to try and make an impact. So that's all we were talking about ..."

Getting the ball into Wilson's hands is "a top priority," according to Glenn, but the coach seemed pleased by the overall offensive performance on Sunday. They set season highs for points scored and total yards (377). They produced a 100-yard receiver (rookie Omar Cooper Jr). and 100-yard rusher (Braelon Allen), so Glenn wasn't apologizing.

"Obviously, they were trying to make sure they took Garrett out, but to be honest with you, that wasn't the issue when it comes to offense," said Glenn, adding that Miami's additional coverage on Wilson created opportunities for others.

"I think that's the essence of what you have to do is make sure that when you have an opportunity to throw to an open receiver, man, you take that opportunity instead of forcing the ball," Glenn added.

Fans and media are calling for Glenn to be fired, but he insisted the team is moving in the right direction. He's 0-8 in the AFC East, becoming the fifth coach in the last 30 seasons to start his career with eight straight division losses.

Once again, he's being criticized for clock management -- specifically, his questionable strategy to not use any timeouts at the end of the first half. In 24 games under Glenn, the Jets have been outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the first half.

"I have to get better in those situations," he acknowledged.

On Sunday, the Jets host the spiraling Las Vegas Raiders (3-4), who have a four-game losing streak.

"I think [the season] is very salvageable," safety Dane Belton said. "I wouldn't even say 'salvageable' is the word. I think we have really a good opportunity going forward. I think when you really think about the good things that we've done, it's really promising. Obviously, that's not what a lot of people want to hear, but it's something that we can build on."