Aaron Glenn is the right choice for head coach. Would toughen up the defense and fix the culture. I know what just happened to Detroit, but that defense was devastated with injuries.

In the world of professional football, few positions carry as much weight and importance as the head coach. Their ability to lead a team, shape its culture, and guide its players through adversity can make the difference between a championship-caliber squad and one that flounders. Over the past few seasons, the Detroit Lions have gone through a tumultuous period of rebuilding, one that has included a variety of coaching changes, player adjustments, and significant challenges on both sides of the ball. Despite these challenges, one name stands out as a potential savior for the franchise: Aaron Glenn.

Aaron Glenn, currently serving as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is often lauded for his passion, leadership, and defensive acumen. Despite a season marred by injuries and inconsistent play, his ability to weather adversity and keep the defense competitive under difficult circumstances is a testament to his potential as a future head coach. Choosing Glenn as the head coach could bring not only a culture shift but also a much-needed toughness to a defense that has struggled to assert itself in recent seasons.

A Track Record of Leadership and Development

Before delving into why Aaron Glenn is the right choice for head coach, it’s crucial to understand his career trajectory and the qualities that have made him a respected figure in the NFL.

Glenn’s journey into coaching began after a successful playing career. As a cornerback, he was known for his intelligence, work ethic, and ability to read the game. His playing career spanned 15 seasons, during which he earned two Pro Bowl selections and played for several teams, including the New York Jets, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys. His experience at the highest level of football has given him invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed both individually and as a team.

After retiring as a player, Glenn transitioned into coaching. He started his coaching career as a defensive backs coach, before eventually being promoted to defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2021. Under his leadership, the Lions’ defense made notable strides, particularly in areas like communication, discipline, and resilience. Despite facing a myriad of injuries to key players, Glenn was able to maintain a level of competitiveness that kept the Lions’ defense from completely collapsing. His ability to adjust on the fly and keep players focused during difficult stretches speaks volumes about his leadership abilities. These traits would translate well into his role as a head coach, where strong leadership and the ability to adapt quickly are essential.

Toughening Up the Defense

One of the most pressing concerns for any team looking to make a playoff run or sustain long-term success is the defense. Historically, the Detroit Lions have struggled defensively, often being ranked near the bottom of the league in key categories such as total defense, rushing defense, and points allowed. This inconsistency has been a major factor in their inability to sustain competitive play. Under Aaron Glenn, however, there is hope that a culture shift in the defensive unit could lead to an improved overall team performance.

As the Lions’ defensive coordinator, Glenn has shown a knack for toughening up the unit, instilling a “next man up” mentality even when faced with injuries and roster turnover. Injuries to key players like Jeff Okudah, Romeo Okwara, and Tracy Walker have hampered the Lions’ defense in recent seasons, but Glenn has managed to adjust the scheme and coaching approach to keep the unit competitive.

What sets Glenn apart from other defensive-minded coaches is his ability to adapt. While many defensive coordinators have a “one-size-fits-all” mentality, Glenn has shown a deep understanding of his players’ strengths and weaknesses and has tailored the defensive schemes to better suit their abilities. This flexibility is critical in the NFL, where injuries and roster changes are a given. If Glenn were to become head coach, he would likely bring this same adaptive mindset to the entire team, ensuring that the Lions could weather injuries and other adversities without completely losing their competitive edge.

Furthermore, Glenn’s background as a cornerback gives him a unique perspective on defense. Cornerbacks are often seen as the leaders on a defense, as they must be mentally sharp, adaptable, and confident in their abilities. Glenn’s ability to bring these qualities to his defensive backfield has been evident in his coaching of the Lions’ secondary. If Glenn were to take over as head coach, it’s likely that he would emphasize the mental toughness and adaptability that made him successful as a player. This focus on resilience could have a ripple effect on the entire roster, transforming the culture of the defense and the team as a whole.

Fixing the Culture

Culture is often the unseen force behind a team’s success or failure. While talent is undeniably important, it is often the culture within a franchise that determines whether a team can achieve its potential. Over the years, the Detroit Lions have struggled to establish a consistent and winning culture. The team has been marred by inconsistency, missed opportunities, and a lack of leadership on and off the field. In many ways, the Lions have become synonymous with mediocrity, unable to escape the rut of perpetual rebuilding.

Aaron Glenn, however, has the potential to change that. His leadership style is rooted in accountability, discipline, and toughness—qualities that can reshape a franchise’s culture. One of the most important aspects of culture building is establishing a sense of belief and expectation within the locker room. Under Glenn’s leadership, players would know that there is an unwavering commitment to discipline, a clear understanding of the team’s goals, and a belief that anything is possible with the right mindset.

Moreover, Glenn’s leadership style is also centered on communication. He is known for his ability to connect with players, understand their individual needs, and motivate them to achieve their best. This ability to build strong relationships with players would be crucial for a team like the Lions, which has been plagued by a lack of leadership in recent years. Glenn’s approach to coaching would foster a sense of trust and unity within the locker room, making the team feel more cohesive and focused on a common goal.

Glenn’s understanding of the importance of culture is also reflected in his emphasis on player development. As a head coach, he would likely prioritize developing players not only on the field but also off it. A well-rounded program that nurtures both the personal and professional growth of players would contribute to a more positive and sustainable culture for the franchise.

Overcoming the Recent Setbacks

It’s important to acknowledge that the Lions’ defense faced significant challenges in 2024. Injuries decimated the defensive roster, and the team’s performance on that side of the ball was inconsistent at best. However, it’s also crucial to consider the context. The injuries to key players like Jeff Okudah, Romeo Okwara, and Tracy Walker created a revolving door of defensive lineups, making it difficult for Glenn to maintain a consistent defensive identity. Despite these challenges, Glenn kept the Lions’ defense from falling apart entirely. His ability to make adjustments and get the most out of a makeshift lineup speaks volumes about his potential as a leader.

In many ways, the adversity the Lions’ defense faced in 2024 could serve as a valuable experience for Glenn. His ability to lead through difficult times would give him the credibility necessary to take over as head coach. Additionally, Glenn’s success in managing a depleted defense demonstrates that, with a full roster and proper health, he could turn the defense into a dominant force.