Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has not had an easy time as the head coach of the New York Jets. Heading into Week 5, Glenn and the Jets are still winless, which is not what he had in mind when taking this job.
However, the ex-Detroit coordinator is trying to establish a new culture with the Jets, which will take time. Along those lines of culture, one thing Glenn has not tolerated with the Jets to start this season is special teams mistakes, which cost a former Lions wide receiver his job.
On Saturday, the Jets announced that they waived former Lions receiver Isaiah Williams. The 24-year-old was taking over for Xavier Gipson, who was sent packing after a special teams gaffe in Week 1.
Aaron Glenn Sends Ex-Lion Isaiah Williams Home After Special Teams Miscue
In last week’s game against the Miami Dolphins, Williams fumbled a kickoff return to start the second half, giving Miami great field position. The Dolphins took advantage of Williams’ miscue as they scored a touchdown to go up 14 points on Glenn’s crew.
Along with the fumble to start the third quarter, the ex-Lion made a puzzling fair catch at his own three-yard line in the fourth quarter. Even though Williams took accountability for his actions after the game, it was not enough to keep his job in the Big Apple.
In three games with the Jets, Williams averaged 14.5 yards per punt return (two attempts) and 23.3 yards per kick return (three attempts).
The 5-foot-10 receiver had just signed with the Jets on Sept. 10 after being cut by the Cincinnati Bengals at the end of preseason in August. The young wide receiver/returner spent the last half of the 2024 season with the Bengals, who claimed him off waivers from the Lions.
Williams appeared in two games with the Lions, where he had two receptions (three targets) for six yards. Detroit signed Williams as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft, where he had a solid performance in the preseason.
After screwing up his opportunity with Glenn and the Jets on national TV, it will be interesting to see where the former Lion goes next. Despite his miscue in Week 4, Williams could find himself with a few tryout opportunities over the next few weeks because of his ability to play special teams.