Detroit Lions Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is returning to his roots for his first NFL head coaching job.
Glenn, one of the top coaching candidates this offseason, has accepted the role of New York Jets Wednesday, becoming the first former player to return as a head coach in nearly 50 years, according to ESPN.
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn after the Minnesota Vikings game on January 5, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit. (Steven King/Sportswire Icon via Getty Images)
Several media outlets reported the news a day after Glenn met with Jets executives on Tuesday.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
THE New Orleans Saints, who split from Dennis Allen in November, was also reportedly competing to get Glenn.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Glenn made his NFL debut as a cornerback when he was selected by the Jets with the 12th overall pick in the 1994 draft. He spent eight seasons in New York before being acquired by the Houston Texans in the 2002 NFL Expansion Draft.
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn talks with linebacker Jack Campbell during the Minnesota Vikings game at Ford Field in Detroit on January 5, 2025. (IMAGINE)
COWBOYS EYE EX-JETS HEAD COACH ROBERT SALEH AFTER LEAVING MIKE MCCARTHY: REPORT
Glenn turned to coaching shortly after his playing career ended in 2008. He notably spent the last four seasons overseeing the Lions’ defense and interviewed with several teams before accepting the job in New York. York.
Glenn also beat out more than a dozen other coaches in the Jets’ extensive search, including Brian Flores, Jeff Hafley, Ron Rivera and Rex Ryan, among others.
According to the Associated Press, Glenn was the only candidate to receive a second interview.
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches a replay during the 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (IMAGINE)
Glenn takes over with fans desperate for change. He replaces Robert Saleh, who was fired just five games into the season.
The Jets’ struggles appeared to be coming to an end when the four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers was drafted in 2023. But a season-ending injury during his debut in New York derailed those plans.
The 2024 season wasn’t much of an improvement – even the addition of Rodgers’ favorite target couldn’t change the outcome and the Jets extended their historic playoff drought.
