The New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, a decision that seemed almost certain from the start of their coaching search. While they explored other possibilities, their efforts were briefly interrupted when Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn chose to decline their interview request.

Glenn, a prominent figure in this year’s head coaching cycle, has been garnering significant attention, securing interviews with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars over the past week. However, the Patriots were unable to meet with him. Despite reaching out to Glenn before Vrabel’s appointment, he decided not to pursue the opportunity.

Addressing his choice in a media session, Glenn emphasized that he had no negative feelings toward the Patriots but believed the timing wasn’t ideal for him. He remarked, “The New England job ‘just wasn’t the best situation for me,’ but I don’t harbor any ill will toward the organization.”

New England’s approach raised eyebrows, particularly as they reached out to Glenn shortly after requesting to speak with his Lions colleague, Ben Johnson. The team’s handling of the Rooney Rule during their Vrabel search sparked some criticism, leading to questions about whether their interest in Glenn, a minority candidate, was sincere or simply a formality.

Despite these concerns, Glenn’s chances of securing a head coaching role this cycle remain high. Among the teams seriously considering him, the New York Jets are gaining momentum as a potential destination.