For nearly 20 years, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has been involved in the NFL in some capacity. From a 15-year playing career at cornerback after being drafted by the Jets in 1994 to his impressive transition into coaching. His decorated resume and tenure playing for and working with such accomplished head coaches have a spotlight shined on him. Now, he’s achieved the opportunity to be his own leader in a locker room. The former cornerback is returning to New York to be the next head coach of the Jets.
Detroit Lions DC Aaron Glenn Hired as New Jets Head Coach
Since 2021, the NFL has witnessed the growth of the Lions under head coach Dan Campbell. Under his leadership, Detroit has gone 39-28-1 with three consecutive seasons with a winning record. Their explosive offense led by coordinator Ben Johnson deserves a majority of the credit. However, earning the one seed in the NFC wouldn’t have been possible if not for Aaron Glenn.
Unlike their offense, the Lions needed time to get their defense on par. Fortunately, the unit has steadily improved under Glenn’s watch. This year Detroit improved from 23rd in points allowed up to seventh in the league. Achieving this is not only unthinkable but astounding after the loss of star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. But, much like Glenn’s previous mentors, adaptation and effort can’t be beat.
He’s home: The #Jets have a deal for Aaron Glenn to be their new head coach, sources say, as the former NYJ first-rounder lands with his old team.
A move now celebrated by countless Jets legends, the #Lions DC was the team’s top choice. He’s thanked the #Saints and accepted NYJ. pic.twitter.com/lceOwTlkCP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2025
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From Star Cornerback to Coaching Savant
To grasp his ascension into head coach, it’s important to know Aaron Glenn the player. A standout defensive back at Texas A&M, the New York Jets traded up to select him with 12th overall pick. Much like current Jets star Sauce Gardner, Aaron Glenn became one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. With the tutelage of Bill Parcells and his defensive coordinator Bill Belichick, Glenn earned back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances 1997 and 1998. Remaining in New York until 2001, the Houston Texans selected him in the expansion draft. The Houston native continued to shine and earned his third and final Pro Bowl honors during the Texans inaugural season. His time in Houston came to an end in 2004, after which spent the last four seasons of his career between the Cowboys , Jaguars , and Saints.
After taking a three-year post-retirement hiatus, Glenn returned to New York to be a scout for the Jets from 2012 to 2013. The following year, he accepted his first NFL coaching job as the Cleveland Browns defensive backs coach. He remained in Cleveland until 2016 after accepting the secondary coach with the New Orleans Saints . His four years in New Orleans were fruitful, learning under head coach Sean Payton and assistant head coach Dan Campbell.
First big test in Detroit
In 2021, the Detroit Lions hired Campbell to be their new head coach. After spending the last four seasons together, Campbell gave defensive coordinator duties to Aaron Glenn. His first time as a defensive play-caller was a challenge. A paper-thin roster on defense left Glenn little to work with his first year, allowing 27.5 points per game. Detroit fell to 3-13-1 that season. However, the arrival of second-overall pick Aidan Hutchinson became a major boost to the Lions front seven. Slowly, Lions general manager Brad Holmes brought in some young talent for Aaron Glenn to mold. Among them include safety Kerby Joseph, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and safety Brian Branch.
Ready to make an impact
20 years since being drafted, now 52-year-old Aaron Glenn is ready to create his legacy as a head coach. His experience having played & learned among all-time greats like Bill Parcells, Dom Capers, Bill Belichick, Vic Fangio, Sean Payton, and more gives him a unique perspective. His dedication to detail and energy on the sidelines will be a welcomed addition to the locker room and the fanbase. The former Jets defensive back has paid his dues and is ready to give back to the fanbase he called home. New York is ready for a new age of Jets football in 2025.
Main Photo: [Junfu Han] – USA Today Sports
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