Jets hiring Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as next head coach

The New York Jets have reportedly found their next head coach, as the team is hiring Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn following a second interview on Tuesday.

The news comes from ESPN's Adam Schefter. The hiring doesn't come as much of a surprise, as Glenn was expected to land a job with either the Jets or New Orleans Saints, two teams he has connections with. 

Glenn was a first-round pick of the Jets in 1994 and spent eight seasons in New York, where he earned a pair of Pro Bowl nods. Following his playing career, Glenn served as a personnel scout with the Jets for two years from 2012 to 2013.

The now-former Lions defensive coordinator saw his fair share of struggles in the role with Detroit. But after general manager Brad Holmes beefed up the unit, the Lions' defense put together its best showing of Glenn's tenure in 2024. Sadly, a plethora of injuries helped derail the defense as the season progressed.

Glenn will be taking over a Jets team that has a major question mark on offense in quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is under contract for 2025 but isn't guaranteed to return. On the other side of the ball, the Jets have a lot of talent for Glenn to work with.

Now, it'll be interesting to see if Glenn takes anyone from the Lions' staff with him. Reports have suggested that Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell and defensive assistant Jim O'Neil could be candidates for offensive and defensive coordinator, respectively.

It's also possible the new Jets head coach will reunite with former Lions executive Lance Newmark, who is a candidate for the general manager role. Newmark spent 2024 as the assistant general manager of the Washington Commanders and was in the Jets' building with Glenn on Tuesday.

As for who the Lions could replace Glenn with, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard is expected to be considered for the role.

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