The Saints Eye Aaron Glenn as a Prime Head Coaching Candidate
A Top Contender for the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are on the hunt for a new head coach after parting ways with Dennis Allen, following a disappointing 2-7 start and an eventual 5-12 finish. Among the leading candidates for this coveted position is Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who has caught the attention of Saints management. At 52, Glenn brings a wealth of experience, and his potential appointment is generating buzz across the NFL.
A Comprehensive Search for Leadership
The Saints have cast a wide net in their search, conducting interviews with six notable candidates:
- Joe Brady
- Aaron Glenn
- Mike Kafka
- Kellen Moore
- Darren Rizzi
- Anthony Weaver
Glenn stands out among the contenders due to his deep understanding of the game, leadership qualities, and prior ties to the Saints, having served as their secondary coach from 2016 to 2020.
A Mixed Playoff Performance
Aaron Glenn’s Detroit Lions faced a tough challenge in the divisional round against the Washington Commanders. The Lions’ defense struggled, conceding 45 points and 481 yards of total offense. Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels dominated the game, throwing for 299 yards and rushing for 51, without a single interception or sack.
Despite this setback, it’s important to consider the context. Glenn’s defensive unit was severely depleted, with 13 players on injured reserve, nine of whom were key defensive contributors. This left Glenn with a skeleton crew to face one of the league’s emerging offensive powerhouses.
A Season of Defensive Resilience
Under Glenn’s leadership, the Lions demonstrated moments of brilliance throughout the season:
- Ranked 5th against the run and 7th in points allowed.
- Held 11 opponents to 20 points or fewer, including playoff teams like the Rams, Buccaneers, Packers, and Vikings.
- Forced 24 turnovers, including 16 interceptions, the fifth-highest in the league.
- Ranked as the NFL’s best defense on third downs and seventh in red-zone efficiency.
Despite injuries, the Lions’ defense maintained an aggressive and opportunistic approach, showcasing Glenn’s ability to adapt and lead.
Injuries: The Hidden Challenge
The Lions’ playoff struggles cannot overshadow the reality of an injury-riddled season. Among the sidelined defensive stars were:
- Aidan Hutchinson (DE)
- Alim McNeill (DT)
- Malcolm Rodriguez (LB)
- Carlton Davis (CB)
In total, 12 key defensive players were unavailable, leaving Glenn to rely on backups and rookies in critical matchups.
Aaron Glenn’s Coaching Potential
One poor performance should not overshadow Aaron Glenn’s impressive coaching résumé. He has proven his ability to develop talent, adjust strategies, and lead under challenging circumstances. The Saints, or any other team, would benefit from his leadership and defensive expertise.
What’s Next for the Saints and Glenn?
The Saints and other interested teams, now free to conduct in-person interviews with Glenn, are weighing their options. For Glenn, the opportunity to return to New Orleans as head coach could be a perfect fit, given his familiarity with the organization and the city.
While the Lions’ playoff loss may raise questions, it also highlights Glenn’s resilience and ability to achieve success despite adversity. His candidacy for the Saints’ head coaching position represents not only a potential turning point for his career but also a chance for the Saints to solidify their future under proven leadership.
