Aaron Glenn Leaves Jets Facility Without Head Coach Deal

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left the New York Jets‘ facility Tuesday without a deal to become the team’s next head coach, according to CBS Sports insider reports. Glenn, a leading candidate for the position, met with Jets officials but no formal offer was extended.

Lance Newmark, the Lions’ assistant general manager, also visited the Jets’ facility but reportedly did not receive a contract for the team’s general manager vacancy. Both Glenn and Newmark remain in contention for their respective roles as the Jets continue their search for leadership following a tumultuous 2024 season.

Glenn, 52, has a second interview scheduled with another NFL team and has already spoken with multiple franchises about their head coaching vacancies. A former NFL defensive back, Glenn began his coaching career as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Cleveland Browns in 2014. He later served as the defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints before becoming the Lions’ defensive coordinator in 2021.

Under Glenn’s leadership, the Lions’ defense improved significantly, rising from 32nd in the NFL in scoring during his first season to seventh in 2024. However, injuries plagued the unit during the playoffs, culminating in a 45-point loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.

The Jets are seeking a new head coach after firing Robert Saleh just five games into the 2024 season. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich led the team to a 3-9 record for the remainder of the season. The Jets’ struggles persisted despite the midseason acquisition of wide receiver Davante Adams, who reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Glenn, who played for the Jets from 1994 to 2001 and earned Pro Bowl honors in 1997 and 1998, is seen as a strong fit for the organization. If hired, he would bring defensive expertise to a roster featuring standout cornerback Sauce Gardner, the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The Lions could lose two key coaches this offseason, as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was recently named head coach of the Chicago Bears following Detroit’s playoff exit.