Skip to main content

Report: Lions DC Aaron Glenn plans to take New York Jets head coaching job

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra01/22/25

SamraSource

Aaron Glenn
Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is zeroing in on a head coaching job, and he’s plans to take control of the New York Jets, according to Josina Anderson.

“Breaking: I’m told that #Lions DC Aaron Glenn has made it known he’s planning to take the #Jets head coach job, as early as yesterday, per multiple league sources,” Anderson posted on X. This is the expectation still, barring a major setback or flub.”

Despite a massive group of interviewees, Glenn has been projected as the frontrunner for the Jets all along, and it’s evident there’s a mutual interest. Some theorized the defensive coordinator could end up with the New Orleans Saints, where he was previously an assistant coach, but he looks to be headed to the Big Apple instead.

As for Detroit, the Lions are bracing for the loss of Glenn and their offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who recently took the vacant gig with the Chicago Bears. It’s been a whirlwind week, as the top-seeded team in the NFC won’t be preparing for the conference championship on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles after falling to the Washington Commanders 45-31 over the weekend.

With Glenn moving on, a lot of change is likely coming to Detroit: “They’re going to lose both their coordinators,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said, regarding the Lions. “Aaron Glenn’s going to get a head coaching job. Ben Johnson’s going to get a head coaching job.

“The Lions are going to be in search of two replacements for two guys right now who are tracking to land head coaching jobs.”

Regardless of what it means for the Lions, it’s a huge accomplishment for Aaron Glenn, who has been the defensive coordinator in Detroit since 2021. He helped the Lions clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC this season, despite losing Aidan Hutchinson and other starters to injuries during the year.

Moving forward, the coach will hope to be the one who finally turns around the Jets, as New York has been starved for wins over the past decade and change. Whether Aaron Rodgers returns in 2025 or not remains to be seen, but immense change is coming to the AFC East.

— On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this article.