Whenever a new coach is hired, changes are naturally expected within the organization.

Under Aaron Glenn, the Jets’ practices have been very different during the three organized team activities practices observed by the media.

Unlike the previous regime, Glenn is handling practices much like many college football coaches do. He and his staff are actively communicating with players and letting them know when they do something wrong on the field. The Jets coaching staff is also giving players fives and complimenting them after positive plays on the field.

“Hard working,” Jets wide receiver Josh Reynolds said about the culture Glenn is building. “I’m not going to use grit, but it is grit.

“You know, if we get hit in the mouth, we get back up. We are going to get back up and hit you back.

“So, that’s kind of what this team needs. He is going to bring that here.”

FIELDS’ PLAY IMPROVES

Obviously, the player most people want to discuss when it comes to the Jets is quarterback Justin Fields. During his three practices available to the media, it has been a mixed bag.

Fields’ passing was subpar during the windy, rainy weather two weeks ago. But his third practice with the media in attendance on Tuesday was his best of the bunch.

Fields completed 12-of-14 passes between 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. He didn’t throw an interception and had some memorable plays. One of those was a pass near the sideline to Garrett Wilson, where only his receiver was able to make the catch.

Fields threw a bad pass, but Wilson jumped over Michael Carter II and made the play.

Another noteworthy attribute about Fields is that he has a live arm and can make just about every throw down the field. One area he needs to continue working on is holding the ball too long in the pocket.

Throughout his career, whether in Chicago or Pittsburgh, Fields has been criticized for holding onto the ball too long. This led to him being sacked 151 times during his first four seasons. With the Jets’ improved offensive line, at least on paper, that should improve.

We won’t know precisely where Fields is passing-wise until the pads come on during training camp. However, the Jets have complimented Fields for his leadership and play during OTAs.

“He has this quiet confidence about himself,” Glenn said about Fields. “He leads by the way that he wants to lead. His influence with the guys out there, I think you guys can see it.

“He can galvanize a group of men. Obviously, he’s a talented player and I’m happy that I have him as my quarterback, I really am, because I think the sky’s the limit for this player, I really do. I’m not going to go out there and say that he’s the next Joe Namath or anything like that, but I will tell you what, he’s going to be a good player for us, and I’m excited with what he’s going to do for us this season.”

JETS’ DEFENSE SHOULD BE SMARTER UNDER GLENN, WILKS

The Jets led the NFL in penalties each of the last two seasons (361). That could possibly change under Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

“It’s not really about our playbook, it’s about our play style,” Wilks said. “That’s the thing that we’re trying to emphasize and communicate with these guys. The physicality, the effort, the demand, being smart, not beating ourselves, understanding situational football, and we’re going to make sure that we cater to our players.”

Obviously, penalties and mistakes are going to happen, but the Jets coaching staff is trying to minimize them as much as possible and they have done that during camp. The Jets aren’t in pads, so there’s no physicality on display from the players. However, the Jets’ coaching staff is trying to put them in the best position to succeed during training camp so that they can react more quickly.

One of the players who stood out during OTAs is Will McDonald, who is coming off a 10.5-sack season in 2024. He has gained 15 pounds from his listed playing weight of 236 pounds last season, putting him over the 250-pound mark. McDonald did not attend Tuesday’s practice.

Jermaine Johnson is another player the Jets will count on this season, but he hasn’t been fully cleared after tearing his Achilles last season.

OTHER PLAYERS MAKING NOISE

With such a young team, there will be many spots open for grabs on the Jets roster. Rashad Weaver could be one of those players who could have a chance to make the 53-man roster.

Weaver has flashed during practice and registered a sack on Tuesday after he was lined up against first-round pick Armand Membou. Weaver signed with the Jets in March after stops with the Titans, Rams and Texans. The Jets need pass-rushing depth outside of McDonald and Johnson, and Weaver could be the one who provides that.

Rookie tight end Mason Taylor has been an impressive security blanket for the Jets’ quarterbacks. But it isn’t just his catching skills that have turned heads. Glenn praised his blocking skills, which are rare for a young player entering the league. But at LSU, Taylor was asked to help with double-teaming players, sealing, and stalk blocking.

Wide receiver Ontaria “Pokey” Wilson, who played at Florida State, has made a few terrific catches including one coming from a pass from Tyrod Taylor near the left sideline.

MISSING IN ACTION

During the first week of OTAs, Glenn reported that the Jets had 100% attendance. But in addition to McDonald, Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner and Micheal Clemons were not seen during Tuesday’s practice. OTAs are optional, but a mandatory minicamp is not.

The Jets will hold mandatory minicamp next week, scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Glenn wasn’t forthcoming about the absences, but it is worth noting that Gardner is looking for a contract extension.