The NFL coaching carousel is spinning at full speed, and one of the hottest names in the conversation is Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Even before the Lions’ dominant defensive performance in their 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, Glenn was already considered a highly sought-after candidate for head coaching interviews.
If Glenn needs a glowing endorsement during his interview process, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has him covered.
Payton’s praise for Glenn was as emphatic as it was straightforward, pointing to Detroit’s dismantling of Minnesota’s potent offense as the ultimate resume.
“You watch the game last night, the best interview that Aaron Glenn could ever give was for three hours last night,” Payton said of Detroit’s ultra-impressive defensive performance against Minnesota.
“There’s not one thing he can say or do to a GM or an owner that’s more impressive than that game.”
Glenn’s defense shined in the Lions’ NFC North-clinching victory, holding a high-powered Vikings offense to a season-low nine points and just 262 yards of total offense – their second-lowest output of the year.
This impressive feat came despite a rash of injuries that left Detroit’s defense significantly depleted.
Payton’s endorsement carries weight not only because of his stature in the NFL but also due to his history with Glenn.
Glenn played his final NFL season under Payton in 2008 as a member of the New Orleans Saints. Nearly a decade later, Glenn rejoined Payton in New Orleans as the team’s defensive backs coach, a position he held from 2016 to 2020.
During that time, the Saints won 56 games, the most of any NFC team over that stretch.
The Saints may yet play another role in Glenn’s future.
Reports suggest New Orleans is among the teams expected to contact him about their head coaching vacancy.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi is also rumored to be in consideration, along with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who previously served as the passing game coordinator for LSU at the college level.
Another team that figures to be interested in Glenn is the New York Jets.
Much like the Saints, Glenn is very familiar with Gang Green, having played for them from 1994-2001.
The Jets are in need of an alpha leader to turn things around from top-to-bottom. Glenn is certainly a solid candidate. However, owner Woody Johnson will reportedly put extra stock in candidates who have prior head coaching experience.
Whether in New Orleans, New York, or elsewhere, Glenn appears well-positioned to land a head coaching spot.
His ability to turn around Detroit’s defense and deliver a statement performance on the biggest stage has only solidified his status as one of the top candidates in this year’s coaching cycle.
What are your thoughts on Glenn? … Where do you think he will end up???
