Aaron Glenn, Mike Vrabel Emerge as Top NFL Coaching Candidates

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel have emerged as top candidates for multiple NFL head coaching vacancies in 2025. Glenn, who has led the Lions’ defense to a seventh-ranked finish in points allowed this season, is drawing interest from the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

Glenn, a former NFL cornerback, has ties to both the Jets and Saints. He played for the Jets during his first eight seasons and served as the Saints’ defensive backs coach for five years before joining the Lions in 2021. His ability to maintain a strong defense despite numerous injuries has made him a sought-after candidate.

Meanwhile, Mike Vrabel, who was recently linked to the Saints and Jets, now faces a potential return to the New England Patriots. The Patriots fired Jerod Mayo after just one season, opening the door for Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the team during his playing career. Vrabel, who previously coached the Titans and worked as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, is considered a strong fit for the Patriots’ head coaching role.

The Saints, however, may face stiff competition in their pursuit of Vrabel. New England’s vacancy is seen as a more attractive opportunity, given Vrabel’s deep ties to the organization. The Jets, who interviewed Vrabel last week, also remain in the mix, though their chances may diminish if the Patriots prioritize him.

As the NFL coaching carousel continues, both Glenn and Vrabel are expected to be key figures in shaping the league’s coaching landscape for the 2025 season.