Jets hire former player, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as new head coach

In 2012, he worked for the Houston Stallions, an indoor Texas football league, before joining the Jets as a staff scout.

In 2014, Glenn moved into coaching and worked as an assistant DBs coach for the Cleveland Browns. After two years, he was hired by the New Orleans Saints as their secondary coach under Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. In 2021, he moved to Detroit to become Dan Campbell’s defensive coordinator.

Devoid of talent early in his tenure, Glenn’s early defense struggled, especially against the pass. The Lions improved when Detroit gave Glenn pieces that fit the physical style of man defense he wanted to run. The Lions allowed the second-lowest completion percentage (61.1) and lowest passer rating (82.0) in 2024.

Injuries ravaged the Lions’ defense this season as 16 players on that side of the ball hit injured reserve, including Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis — Detroit’s top edge rusher, top defensive tackle and top corner. The high of slowing down Justin Jefferson and Minnesota in Week 18 was matched by the disappointment of the divisional round when Glenn’s defense couldn’t get off the field against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.

Glenn leaves Detroit as one of the key voices in the Lions’ turnaround from perennial doormat to league darling. Glenn was named the top defensive coordinator in an NFLPA poll following the 2023 season — considering his defense was in the middle of the stat sheet at the time, the honor spoke to his leadership qualities. Lions players rave about Glenn’s quality and have often noted that he is more than an X’s and O’s coach, he is a born leader.

With the Jets in the midst of another rebuild, Gang Green needed a steady, commanding pilot. They get that in Glenn.