When a 5-10 NFL team is eliminated from playoff contention after a 34-0 shutout in week 16, it signals a change at the top is underway. One of the emerging leading candidates for the New Orleans Saints‘ head coaching vacancy is Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Lions’ Aaron Glenn a Top Candidate for Saints HC Job
Glenn and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are the two names most frequently mentioned as top candidates for next season’s head coaching positions. The Lions’ meteoric rise in performance over the past three years can be attributed to their outstanding coaching. Guided by the expertise of head coach Dan Campbell, his two supremely talented coordinators have helped him create a winning culture in Detroit. Everyone truly believes a championship title is their destiny and that this team is special.
This team has evolved from one of the worst in the NFL to become a genuine Super Bowl contender. But it wasn’t easy; particularly this year. The team entered the season with a target on their back as an early Super Bowl favorite. They faced one of the league’s toughest schedules. As the wins began accumulating, so did the injuries. Bitten by the injury bug more than any other NFL team, the Lions have been decimated by the loss of players. Glenn’s defense experienced the most severe injuries with as many as 19 players on IR.
Glenn Getting Results With Lions’ Revolving Lineup
As the list of injured players expanded, Glenn’s been forced to reconfigure his lineup each week to fill the coverage gaps. Moving premier players Brian Branch and Jack Campbell around like chess pieces, Glenn relies on them to learn their new assignments. Both have risen to the challenge. Whether playing safety or slot cornerback, Branch has performed brilliantly. One of the top defensive players in the NFL, Branch leads the team with 72 tackles. In the game against Chicago, he recorded 12 tackles (eight solo), a forced fumble, and pass defense.
Second-year player Campbell has stepped up as defense captain. Following Alex Anzalone’s injury, Campbell took over communication duties. He is helping newly acquired veterans learn Detroit’s defense. Undeterred by his youth, the older players respect him as a leader.
Glenn Had Success With Saints
When Saints coach Dennis Allen was fired mid-way through the season, Glenn was mentioned as a likely successor. But it’s not just his wizardry with the Lions that gives him an edge for the head coaching job in New Orleans. He has a successful history with the organization. As a position coach for the New Orleans secondary Glenn was a member of the Saints coaching staff. During his tenure from 2016-2020, the Saints won the NFC South Division title in four of those five years.
Under Glenn’s tutelage, cornerback Marshon Lattimore became a two-time Pro Bowl player. In 2017, he was voted the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Only 21, he became the youngest New Orleans player selected to the Pro Bowl. During the 2019 season, safety Vonn Bell led the secondary in tackles with 86 and was recognized as having the most fumble recoveries in the NFL.
What Glenn Provides HC Candidate
Glenn is a player’s coach. A former NFL cornerback, Glenn was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 1994 draft. During his fifteen years playing in the NFL, he learned firsthand the physical and mental demands required to execute at such a high level.
His creativity and ability to problem-solve make him a top candidate. Despite a steady influx of new personnel this season, Glenn’s patchwork defense is getting the job done. No matter how many new faces are in their weekly lineup, he finds a way to make it work. It’s not always pretty but it’s working. The Lions keep winning. After losing three key defenders in week 15, the Lions bounced back in week 16 with a convincing 34-17 victory over division rival the Chicago Bears.
Another indicator of Glenn’s coaching prowess is the number of former players in the NFL today. His coaching of talented young players set them up for long-term NFL success.
The Lions will hate to lose Glenn. However, they know he’s earned this opportunity and they’ll cheer his success.