Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has been the focal point of attention this coaching offseason, with every team in need of a new head coach knocking on his door. Among those suitors, one team that Glenn didn’t entertain was the New England Patriots, who’ve since moved forward with Mike Vrabel as their new head coach—a decision that makes plenty of sense considering the tight timeline for initial interviews.
Glenn interviewed with five teams that clearly saw something special in him, and among these, two stand out due to their historical ties with Glenn—either from his playing days or his time as an assistant coach. This familiarity, combined with his impressive credentials, makes him a natural fit for these organizations.
Notably, Glenn’s performance in the interview process received glowing reviews. According to CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones, Glenn “crushed” the interviews and is poised to see visits from representatives of both the Jets and the Saints in Detroit this coming week.
Glenn’s familiarity with these teams—having played for the Jets and coached in New Orleans—is fueling speculation about where he might land.
The buzz surrounding Glenn isn’t without reason. His candidacy for the head coach position with the Jets and the Saints has been strong from the outset.
While the scales may be tipping slightly in favor of New Orleans, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, and Chicago aren’t out of the picture yet. These teams are also in the market for a leader of Glenn’s caliber.
However, just because the Saints and Jets seem keen doesn’t guarantee that Glenn will pen a deal with either of them. Both franchises have challenges that might make Glenn pause before signing on the dotted line.
Indeed, an argument can be made that the other teams present more attractive opportunities.
Despite the complexities inherent in choosing his next step, Glenn is likely to see his dream of becoming a head coach realized in this hiring cycle. While the Saints and Jets are strong contenders, the Jaguars, Bears, and Raiders should keep their hats in the ring, recognizing the exceptional coaching talent that Aaron Glenn offers. His leadership could be transformative for any team lucky enough to secure his services
