While things didn’t end so well for Aaron Glenn and the Detroit Lions in the playoffs, there is no doubt that Glenn is someone that has earned a head coaching job and he now finally has it. Glenn will be the New York Jets’ new head coach.
Glenn came over to the Lions from New Orleans with Dan Campbell in 2021 and he’s been a beloved coach in the locker room ever since. In 2023 players voted for their favorite coordinators in an NFLPA survey and Glenn was the most well-liked DC in the league. He received so many votes that he could have been the most well-liked coordinator flat out.
The Jets are going to love what they get in Glenn. As for the Lions, they now have to replace Glenn. Here are three candidates to watch for. Two inside guys and one outside guy.
Kelvin Sheppard
You see this guy on the sideline every week and the players are just at attention for him. He’s been such a big deal for this team since the Lions added him to the staff in 2021. Linebackers were supposed to be a weakness for this team, but Sheppard has made them the deepest group the Lions have. He’s ready whether it’s in Detroit or somewhere else. He can lead.
Todd Wash
Imagine the Lions bring back their former defensive line coach Todd Wash and put him in the DC role. It wouldn’t be his first rodeo there. He was the eJaguars DC during the Sacksonville era before that team imploded into itself.
Robert Saleh
This one feels like kind of a long shot since there really isn’t any connection between Campbell and Saleh, but Campbell did say that the Lions would look outside of the organization to find someone they felt best fit their culture and identity and Saleh is definitely a fit. The Lions would have to wait things out to make sure that the Jaguars don’t hire him to be their head coach. He’s having a second interview there soon.