ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Jets, Bears, and Saints are expected to request interviews with Lions’ defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for their head coaching vacancies.
These requests come just hours after Glenn held the Vikings to nine points to secure the NFC North and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Glenn’s impressive defensive performance, particularly in Week 18, goes well beyond the box score, as he managed to hold one of the league’s top offenses in check despite a defense that’s been ravaged by injuries in a way few have. As it stands right now, the Lions have five defensive starters on injured reserve, but several other key players have also made their way to the IR this season. Glenn’s name has been a popular one during recent coaching cycles, but his departure from Detroit after this season feels like a foregone conclusion. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported last month that Glenn’s name is “frequently mentioned” in New Orleans, which could offer an insight on who may have the inside edge for the Saints job. Glenn has spent the last four seasons in Detroit rebuilding a defense that was in need of a complete overhaul. His ability to keep them playing at a high level despite numerous injuries only speaks to his prowess as one of the league’s top game callers on the defensive side.