Jets Owner Woody Johnson Promises Change For Team In 2025: ‘I Have To Be A Better Owner’

Following a rough 5-12 season and harsh criticism, Jets owner Woody Johnson promises to turn things around in 2025.

“Absolutely, I have to look in the mirror, and I have to be a better owner,” Jonson said following the introductions of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. “And I’m trying to be better.”

Johnson took a more active role last season, making an in-season coaching change for the first time in his 25 years as owner, firing Robert Saleh in Week 6 after three-plus seasons. Six weeks later, he also parted ways with GM Joe Douglas.

The Jets failed to improve after firing Saleh, finishing just 3-9 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

Johnson, frustrated by the team’s struggles and believing he had built his best roster yet, took part in some personnel moves, leading to tension within the front office and coaching staff.

When questioned about taking a step back in 2025, Johnson brought up a report highlighting internal issues with the organization.

“You don’t believe those reports do you?” he fired back. “It was a lot of exaggeration and hyperbole, it really was. You really have to take all that stuff with a grain of salt because you don’t know how much – nobody knows how involved I was.”

When reflecting on his approach moving forward, Johnson made it clear he’d step back from the day-to-day operations.

“Yes, I want Aaron Glenn to coach the team. I want the general manager to manage the assets and the players, and I’ll take the owner’s position.”

In Johnson’s first 11 seasons as owner, the Jets made the playoffs six times, but they’re now experiencing a 14-year playoff drought, the longest ongoing streak in North American sports.

In discussing how he can be a better owner, Johnson emphasized the hiring of Glenn and Mougey, calling them “the two leaders of this team.”

“That’s part of it,” he added. “The second is just to have – I’ve got to have patience or whatever. I’ve got to let them evolve in these positions, which I think they will. I think it’ll be quick, but I think they’ll evolve.”