Jets could have prime lead in pursuit of Aaron Glenn

The Jets have cast a wide net in their coaching search, but one of the most promising candidates this coaching cycle could emerge as the front-runner.

Aaron Glenn, former Pro Bowl cornerback for the Jets and current Lions defensive coordinator, has told people the Jets would be his first choice if he were to be offered a head coaching job, Brian Costello wrote of the Post in its “Inside the Jets”. Publish the Sports+ newsletter this week.

The coaching cycle is fluid, and Glenn could easily end up elsewhere: He’s been linked to the Saints, where he finished his career and coached defensive backs for five years before joining the Lions.

Glenn, 52, has interviewed or will interview with the Jets, Saints, Bears, Jaguars and Raiders. He refused to interview for the Patriots job that went to Mike Vrabel in what was no well-kept secret once New England fired Jerod Mayo.

The Lions’ defense allowed the seventh-fewest points per game (20.1) during its 15-2 regular season.

The Jets interviewed Vrabel before he went to Foxborough and also interviewed their former coach, Rex Ryan, and former Panthers and Commanders coach Ron Rivera.

Gang Green has interviewed, is scheduled to interview or has asked to interview a large group of coaches that includes Chiefs coordinators Matt Nagy and Steve Spagnuolo; Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady; Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores; Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith; Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik; Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph; Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt; Maryland head coach Mike Locksley; Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi and their own interim coach, Jeff Ulbrich.

The Jets did not request an interview with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, another hot candidate this cycle, because they believe he would not be a good fit.

The team brought in its former general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman to help lead the search for a new coach and general manager following the firing of Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas during the season.