When he was first hired as the New York Jets’ head coach, Aaron Glenn focused on building the entire team, rather than focusing on one key position.

During his first year at the helm, though, a powerful learning experience hit the former Pro Bowl cornerback: Figure out the quarterback plan first.

New York hitched their wagon to Justin Fields this season, hoping it could turn the failed first-round pick into a quality NFL starter. Instead, all they received was further clarification that the Ohio State product wasn’t what they thought.

As disappointing an experience as 2025 has been at the quarterback position, there are important lessons to be learned from this experience that the Jets must take to heart.

Jets QB learning experience

Speaking to reporters for the final time before their Week 17 clash with the New England Patriots, Glenn made it clear that the big lesson he learned about the quarterback position was one he already knew.

He just had never been in the situation before to understand it.

“Being able to adapt and be able to understand each player that you have,” Glenn said. “Between me, Tanner (Engstrand), and the whole offense, we’ve got to figure out what’s the best thing this player can do, and how do we make sure we surround him with the right player to make sure he can do the things that he can do.

“I already knew it, but to actually be a part of and have to deal with it, that was another thing.”

New York did its best to surround Fields with the kind of scheme and talent that would turn him into a good player. They had his top college receiver in Garrett Wilson, a strong offensive line, and a collection of solid running backs.

Even the scheme, designed as a simplified version of the Detroit Lions’ run in the 2020s, was created to enhance what Fields did well.

Instead, the quarterback struggled to the point that few had ever done before. The Jets failed to record over 60 passing yards four times in games this year, and Fields was eventually benched for that futility.

The 2025 season has been a valuable lesson for Glenn. Some fans don’t want to see the coach given a chance to prove he has learned from that experience. But if the 53-year-old wants to stay in this job for long, getting the quarterback position right will be the thing that saves him.

Or, it’ll inevitably sink him.