Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s top coaching fits for 2025: Why the Jets and Saints are the best choices

Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn’s Top Coaching Fits for 2025: Why the Jets and Saints Are the Best Choices

As the NFL moves toward the 2025 season, there’s a growing sense that Aaron Glenn, the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, is poised to become one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates in the league. Glenn has already made a significant impact as a defensive mind in Detroit, overseeing a defense that has steadily improved under his watch. However, with his coaching acumen and growing reputation, it seems likely that Glenn will eventually move on from his current role in Detroit to pursue head coaching opportunities elsewhere.

While Glenn’s future with the Lions is still uncertain, there are two NFL teams that stand out as the best fits for his potential head coaching candidacy: the New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints. Both teams are currently in situations where a defensive-minded head coach with a proven track record could take them to the next level. This article will explore why these two franchises represent the best opportunities for Aaron Glenn in 2025, taking into account their organizational culture, roster needs, and Glenn’s ability to shape the future of their defenses.

Aaron Glenn’s Coaching Journey and Impact in Detroit

Before diving into the specific fits with the Jets and Saints, it’s essential to understand why Aaron Glenn has emerged as one of the most promising defensive minds in the NFL. Glenn, who spent over a decade in the NFL as a player, has gained significant respect as a defensive coordinator. He joined the Detroit Lions as their defensive coordinator in 2021, following a stint as the defensive backs coach with the New Orleans Saints.

In his first two years with the Lions, Glenn’s defenses showed marked improvement, particularly in terms of creating turnovers and developing young talent. While the Lions’ defense has had its struggles at times, Glenn has consistently found ways to maximize his players’ potential. His ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the game — particularly in the passing game — and his emphasis on aggressive, smart football have made him a strong candidate for a head coaching job in the near future.

The Lions’ defense in 2024, for instance, has been a pleasant surprise, with the team improving in key metrics like sack rate, turnovers, and defensive efficiency. The rise of players like Aidan Hutchinson, who has become a star under Glenn’s tutelage, showcases his ability to develop individual talent. Meanwhile, Glenn has also been responsible for coordinating a defense that keeps opponents on their toes with a mix of schemes, blitzes, and coverage variations.

With this success, it’s clear that Glenn has the traits necessary to be a head coach. His ability to develop talent, communicate effectively with players, and make in-game adjustments has garnered attention from around the league. But for a head coaching job to truly be a success, Glenn needs the right environment — one where his defensive philosophy can flourish, and where he has the resources to build a complete team. That’s where the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints come in.

Why the New York Jets Are a Perfect Fit for Aaron Glenn

The New York Jets represent one of the most intriguing opportunities for Aaron Glenn in 2025. As of 2024, the Jets’ defense has been one of the most formidable units in the league, largely thanks to the efforts of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and his staff. However, the Jets have struggled offensively and have yet to find long-term stability at quarterback, limiting the team’s overall potential.

With Saleh expected to remain in the fold as the defensive mastermind, there’s a chance that the Jets could look for a new head coach to help lead them through the offensive struggles. This is where Glenn’s defensive expertise and leadership could be invaluable.

1. Strong Defensive Foundation

The Jets’ defense, as constructed, is built to compete at a high level. Players like cornerback Sauce Gardner, edge rusher Carl Lawson, and linebacker C.J. Mosley give the Jets a core that could make them one of the top defenses in the NFL for years to come. However, despite strong individual players, the Jets have struggled to consistently close out games and make the most of their defensive potential. A head coach like Aaron Glenn, who excels at orchestrating a balanced and aggressive defense, could make all the difference.

Glenn’s ability to design creative schemes, mix coverage packages, and deploy players in positions to succeed would be crucial for a team like the Jets. With their strong defensive personnel already in place, Glenn could optimize their schemes, finding ways to generate more turnovers, disrupt opposing quarterbacks, and make the most of their defensive talent.

2. Offensive Improvement Potential

While the Jets have invested heavily in their defense, their offensive struggles have been a significant hindrance to their overall success. Glenn, as a defensive-minded coach, would have the luxury of focusing solely on the defense while allowing the Jets to hire a new offensive coordinator or quarterback coach to address their offensive woes. This would allow Glenn to do what he does best without being weighed down by the immediate need to fix a struggling offense.

Moreover, Glenn’s background in developing young players could be a significant asset in helping develop whichever quarterback the Jets decide to go with long-term. The combination of a strong defense, a new offensive system, and Glenn’s leadership could set the Jets up for sustained success, particularly if the team is able to finally find some offensive consistency.

3. New York Market and Media Attention

One of the benefits of coaching the Jets is the opportunity to coach in the highly visible and intense New York market. While this may be seen as a challenge by some, for Aaron Glenn, it could serve as an opportunity to establish himself as one of the rising stars in coaching. The Jets’ fanbase is passionate, and with the right leadership, Glenn could quickly become a beloved figure in the franchise’s history. The high-pressure nature of New York would also help Glenn refine his leadership and communication skills, preparing him for a head coaching role on the biggest stage.

Why the New Orleans Saints Are a Perfect Fit for Aaron Glenn

The New Orleans Saints represent another ideal landing spot for Aaron Glenn as he looks to make the jump to head coach in 2025. Glenn’s ties to the Saints run deep, as he served as their defensive backs coach before taking the job in Detroit. He knows the organization, its culture, and its style of play. The Saints are currently at a crossroads, with an aging roster, a new quarterback in place, and a defense that is still highly competitive but could use a jolt to return to elite status.

1. Familiarity with the Organization

Glenn’s familiarity with the Saints’ culture, management, and defensive systems would be an immediate advantage if he were to return to New Orleans. The franchise has a long history of success under head coach Sean Payton and has a strong foundation on both sides of the ball. While Payton has since moved on to coach the Denver Broncos, the Saints’ organizational structure is one that Glenn is already well-versed in. He knows how the team operates and would be able to hit the ground running, building a defense that mirrors the grit and intensity New Orleans fans have come to expect.

2. Established Defensive Personnel

The Saints have a strong defensive unit, with players like Cameron Jordan, Marshon Lattimore, and Demario Davis providing a core of talent that is capable of dominating on any given week. Glenn could tap into this established defense, bringing it back to its former dominance under the leadership of former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen (now head coach). The Saints have a great foundation to work with, and Glenn’s defensive philosophy would fit seamlessly with the culture of aggressive and opportunistic play that the team has cultivated in the past.

3. Need for a New Vision

The Saints are entering a new era with a quarterback change, which often signals the need for a fresh perspective on both sides of the ball. Glenn could bring that new vision to the team, shifting the defensive focus and helping to usher in the next generation of Saints football. With a revamped roster and a coaching staff that is looking to rebound from some tough seasons, Glenn could provide the stability and leadership required to take the team to the next level.

Additionally, New Orleans has shown an ability to compete in the NFC South despite some recent roster changes. Glenn’s expertise could help elevate the Saints’ defense to even greater heights while the offense goes through a transitional period.