Aaron Glenn’s Journey to Becoming an NFL Head Coach
Aaron Glenn’s career in the NFL has involved working with nearly every team, both as a player and coach. However, it was his time with the Detroit Lions that gave him the chance to become an NFL head coach.
Glenn’s Success with the Detroit Lions
After serving as the Lions’ defensive coordinator and having a successful run, Glenn is reportedly set to be hired as the new head coach of the New York Jets, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. For many years, the Detroit Lions were considered one of the weaker teams in the NFL.
However, thanks to the efforts of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions are now seen as one of the most successful teams. This change in Detroit’s fortunes has made Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson highly sought after for head coaching jobs this offseason. There’s now a strong desire to copy the success the Lions have had, after so many years of Detroit being viewed as a struggling team.
Other Changes in Detroit’s Coaching Staff
This week, Johnson was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Terrell Williams, the Lions’ defensive line coach, has been hired by the New England Patriots as their new defensive coordinator. Now, it looks like Glenn will be heading to New York to take on the head coach position with the Jets.
Glenn’s Reputation as a Coach
Glenn earned his first chance to be an NFL head coach because of the impressive job he did turning around the Lions’ defense, especially after dealing with many injuries during the 2024 season. His players respected him, and this helped raise his profile as a top coaching candidate. In a survey of players conducted during the 2023 season, Glenn was ranked as the best defensive coordinator in the league by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
Glenn’s Background and Experience
At the start of the offseason, Glenn’s name appeared on the list of every team looking for a new head coach.
“He’s as good of a coach as you’re going to find,” said Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach, as quoted by the Detroit Free Press. “He’s an even better human being. If nobody wants him, I’ll take him again, I can tell you that right now. But the thought of going through another cycle and he’s not somebody’s head coach, is ridiculous.”
Glenn’s Playing Career and Coaching Path
Glenn was drafted by the Jets as a first-round pick in 1994. He had a 15-year career as a cornerback in the NFL, playing for five different teams. After retiring from playing, Glenn began his coaching career as the general manager of the Houston Stallions in the Texas Lone Star Football League.
From there, he worked as a scout for the Jets and then became an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and eventually the defensive coordinator for the Lions.
At 52 years old, it took Glenn many years as both a player and coach to earn the opportunity to run an NFL team. However, there is no doubt he is one of the most in-demand coaches in this hiring cycle.
