Jets hire former Lions player and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as new head coach

In 2012, he worked for the Houston Stallions, an indoor football league in Texas, before joining the Jets as a scout.

In 2014, Glenn moved into coaching, working as an assistant DBs coach for the Cleveland Browns. After two years, he was hired by the New Orleans Saints as secondary coach under Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. In 2021, he moved to Detroit to become Dan Campbell’s defensive coordinator.

Devoid of talent early in his tenure, Glenn’s early defenses struggled, particularly against the pass. The Lions improved as Detroit gave Glenn pieces that fit the physical style of defense he wanted to run. The Lions allowed the second-lowest completion percentage (61.1) and lowest passer rating (82.0) in 2024.

Injuries have destroyed the Lions’ defense this season, seeing 16 players on that side of the ball hit injured reserve, including Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis – Detroit’s leading rusher, top defensive tackle and top corner. The peak of Justin Jefferson and Minnesota’s downturn in Week 18 was juxtaposed with the disappointment of the Divisional Round when Glenn’s defense couldn’t get off the field against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.

Glenn leaves Detroit as one of the key voices in the Lions’ turnaround from perennial doormat to league darling. Glenn was voted the best defensive coordinator in an NFLPA survey following the 2023 season – given that his defense at the time was mediocre on the stat sheet, that honor was a testament to his leadership qualities. Lions players have raved about how good Glenn is, often pointing out that he is more than an Xs and Os coach, he is a born leader.

With the Jets in the midst of a rebuild, Gang Green needed a steady, commanding driver. They’ll get it from Glenn.