The New York Jets are focused on hiring their next head coach, and they seem to have their top candidate in mind. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is visiting the Jets on Tuesday, and the team aims to make sure he doesn’t leave without an offer.
Although the deal isn’t finalized and there are still some details to sort out, Glenn could be named the head coach by the end of the day if everything goes smoothly.
This will be Glenn’s second interview with the Jets, as he previously met with them virtually while the Lions were still in the playoffs. Glenn has received interview requests from six of the seven teams that had head coach openings, and he has second interviews scheduled with both the Jets and the New Orleans Saints. If Tuesday’s interview doesn’t lead to a hiring, Glenn is set to visit New Orleans next.
Glenn has a strong history with the Jets. He was drafted by the team in the first round of the NFL draft and played for them for eight of his 15 seasons, making two Pro Bowl appearances. After his playing career, Glenn began his coaching journey with the Jets in 2012 when they hired him as a scout.
Since then, he has worked with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Detroit Lions, where he has been the defensive coordinator for the last four years.
Glenn had also interviewed for head coach positions during last offseason but chose to return to Detroit for the 2024 season. His coaching ability was praised as he helped lead the Lions’ defense through an injury-filled season.
Under his guidance, the defense ranked seventh in scoring, allowed the second-lowest completion percentage in the league (61.1%), and had the lowest passer rating (82.0). They also finished fifth in rushing yards allowed per game (98.4), helping the Lions achieve a 15-2 record and the NFC North title.
If Glenn does become the Jets’ next head coach, either on Tuesday or after further discussions, he will take over a team at a critical point. The Jets need to make important decisions about veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and their younger talent as they look to return to playoff contention.
The Jets are also still in the process of hiring a new general manager, a search that has included 15 interviews so far. Once that decision is made, it will likely set the next steps for the team’s future direction.
