The Detroit Lions could find themselves without their two coordinators just three days after their defeat in the divisional round against the Washington Commanders. According to multiple reports, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson agreed to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears on Monday. It appears defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn could make his decision a day later.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the New York Jets are scheduled to meet with Glenn on Tuesday and their intention is not to let him leave.
“The deal is not done and there are still some details to be discussed,” Rapoport tweeted Tuesday morning. “But if all goes well, he could end up today as NYJ HC.”
Glenn also reportedly has a meeting scheduled with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, but it appears he won’t be able to attend.
In his four years with the Lions, Glenn has produced just one top-10 defense in Detroit (in 2024). However, he has largely dealt with a young and injured team throughout his tenure. He helped build this unit from the ground up, and Glenn played a major role in establishing a culture of respect, collaboration and trust. In a 2023 NFLPA survey, no football coordinator was more popular among his players than Glenn.
Lions coach Dan Campbell made a compelling argument earlier this month for Glenn as an NFL head coach.
“He’s the best coach you can find, he’s an even better human being,” Glenn said. “Look, if no one wants him, I’ll take him back. I can tell you now. The idea of him going through another cycle and him being someone’s head coach is ridiculous. I mean, this guy is as good as it gets, and he can do anything. He understands how to manage a game, he understands offense, defense, special teams, he knows how to communicate, he understands player discipline and he is motivating, he is inspiring.
Due to an NFL initiative to promote minority candidates, if Glenn is hired during this coaching cycle, the Lions will have two third-round compensatory picks, one in 2025 and one in 2026. These compensatory choices will be at the very end. of the third round, after all other third-round compensatory picks were awarded via free agent losses.
