Lions DC Aaron Glenn’s Two Most Likely Destinations as Head Coach Revealed by NFL Insider
Aaron Glenn, the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, has garnered significant attention around the NFL for his remarkable work in leading one of the league’s most improved defenses in 2023. As the NFL’s coaching carousel begins to pick up speed, many insiders have speculated on the future of Glenn, whose reputation as a leader and defensive mastermind is quickly growing. With teams looking to revamp their fortunes in the coming seasons, Glenn’s name has surfaced in head coaching rumors, and it’s no surprise that some of the league’s most prominent franchises may be interested in his services.
NFL insider reports have now revealed the two most likely destinations where Aaron Glenn could land as a head coach in 2025. These destinations are not only appealing because of Glenn’s talents, but also due to the organizations’ ongoing coaching searches and their potential for growth under new leadership. With a combination of promising young players, an increasing need for defensive expertise, and the ability to build a team around Glenn’s leadership, these teams represent the best opportunities for his next step in his coaching career.
Aaron Glenn’s Rise as a Defensive Mind
Before diving into the potential head coaching jobs that await Aaron Glenn, it’s crucial to understand how he reached this point in his career. After a standout 15-year playing career as a cornerback, Glenn transitioned into coaching, eventually landing his first role as a defensive backs coach with the New Orleans Saints in 2016. His work there helped to develop the Saints’ defensive backfield, which played a critical role in their 2017 run to the NFC Championship Game.
In 2021, Glenn was hired by the Detroit Lions as defensive coordinator under head coach Dan Campbell. In his first year, the Lions’ defense struggled with consistency, ranking near the bottom of the league in several categories. However, Glenn’s ability to make quick adjustments and foster a collaborative atmosphere within the locker room stood out. The Lions’ defense began to show significant improvement in 2023, helping to transform the franchise into a playoff contender.
Glenn’s success with Detroit has been driven by his ability to adjust to different offensive systems, develop young players, and, most importantly, build a culture of accountability and toughness. The Lions’ defense in 2023 was marked by aggressive play-calling, a noticeable improvement in their pass rush, and a rise in the performance of players like Aidan Hutchinson, who emerged as one of the league’s most promising pass rushers. Glenn’s strategic decisions, such as dialing up blitzes at opportune moments and his ability to teach fundamentals to young players, made a huge difference.
The Two Most Likely Destinations
According to NFL insider reports, there are two teams that have emerged as the most likely destinations for Aaron Glenn as a future head coach. These teams are not only in need of a new leadership direction but also appear to align well with Glenn’s coaching style and the trajectory of his career.
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are one of the teams that have been most frequently linked with Aaron Glenn in recent months. The Colts, after parting ways with Frank Reich midway through the 2022 season, hired former player Jeff Saturday as their interim head coach. Saturday was not retained, and Indianapolis now finds itself in the market for a full-time head coach to lead the franchise into the future.
The Colts’ situation is one that Glenn may find appealing for several reasons. First, the team already has a solid foundation on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Anthony Richardson, a dynamic young signal-caller with immense upside, has the potential to become a cornerstone of the franchise. The Colts also have a talented defense led by linebacker Shaquille Leonard and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, though they need a more consistent and impactful defensive scheme. Glenn’s defensive expertise could be just what the Colts need to take the next step.
Moreover, Indianapolis has a history of success under disciplined and strategic leadership, especially with former head coach Tony Dungy, who was known for building a competitive and balanced team. Glenn’s demeanor as a leader—calm, calculated, and team-first—aligns with the type of philosophy that would be well-received in Indianapolis. The Colts need someone who can develop young talent, particularly on defense, while providing the necessary support and direction to their young quarterback. Glenn’s history of developing players, especially in the secondary, would bode well for a Colts team that has been inconsistent in this area.
Additionally, Indianapolis is a market that values strong leadership and a no-nonsense approach, something that Glenn has displayed both as a player and coach. Glenn’s connection to the defensive side of the ball could provide the Colts with a solid identity, allowing them to build around their offensive and defensive foundations as they look to return to the playoffs.
2. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals represent another prime destination for Aaron Glenn as a head coach. Following the firing of head coach Kliff Kingsbury after a disappointing 2022 season, the Cardinals have continued to struggle in 2023 under interim coach Vance Joseph. The team is now searching for a new leader who can steer the franchise back to relevance, and Glenn’s name has surfaced as a candidate.
Arizona’s defense, much like Indianapolis’, has shown promise but has failed to reach its full potential in recent years. The franchise has talent on the defensive side of the ball, including linebacker Zaven Collins, safety Budda Baker, and defensive end J.J. Watt (who will retire at the end of the 2023 season). However, inconsistent coaching has hampered their ability to become a truly formidable unit. Aaron Glenn could step in and build a more cohesive, disciplined defense, which could, in turn, help the entire team become more competitive.
In addition to a defense that is ripe for development, the Cardinals are in a situation where they may need a coach who can bring stability to the organization. The franchise has seen a revolving door of head coaches in recent years, and Glenn’s calm demeanor and ability to lead a group of men could serve the Cardinals well as they search for a long-term solution.
The allure of Arizona for Glenn also stems from the franchise’s potential to rebuild. While quarterback Kyler Murray has faced his share of struggles, he remains a highly talented player with elite athleticism. Glenn could look at this opportunity as a challenge to reshape a team in need of a culture shift, something that he has already proven capable of doing in Detroit. With an up-and-coming quarterback and a solid defensive nucleus, the Cardinals could become an attractive project for Glenn as he looks to leave his mark on a franchise in need of a turnaround.
Why Aaron Glenn is the Right Fit for Both Teams
For both Indianapolis and Arizona, Aaron Glenn represents the type of leadership that these franchises need to take the next step. His defensive acumen, his calm leadership style, and his ability to develop young talent make him a prime candidate for any team looking to rebuild or reinforce their defensive culture.
Both teams are in the process of evaluating quarterbacks, building offensive systems, and aiming to improve defensively. Glenn’s experience with building a strong, cohesive defense would be invaluable as both the Colts and the Cardinals try to emerge from years of underperformance.
Moreover, Glenn’s ability to inspire confidence in young players, including his mentorship of Lions’ stars like Hutchinson and others, could serve both teams well as they continue to develop their future stars.
