Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lions' praise shows why Aaron Glenn should be a head coach in 2025

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 3:47 PM ET

Already on multiple teams' coaching-search radars, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn received two ringing endorsements from Lions defenders that should make him an even more attractive candidate.

On Tuesday, linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive back Kerby Joseph were asked about Glenn during two separate interviews, and both offered glowing praise.

During an appearance on "The Adam Schefter Podcast," Anzalone compared Glenn to Lions head coach Dan Campbell, saying they were cut from the same cloth.

"Everything that is said about Dan, as far as leadership and, you know, culture and development and all those great things," Anzalone said, "it's him and A.G., in my mind, are, you know, two of the best I've been around. I've seen him develop just as a coordinator and a coach. It's cool to be a part of."

"I think that he's ready to do it," Anzalone added when asked about Glenn's potential as an NFL head coach.

Lions LB @AlexAnzalone34 believes Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn “is on the same level” as his head coach Dan Campbell.

https://t.co/ktzVY8hQBU pic.twitter.com/I3lOGd1Lcr
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2025

Joseph, a 2024 First-Team All-Pro, sang a slightly different tune. While also praising Glenn during an appearance on "Up & Adams," Joseph told host Kay Adams he doesn't want his defensive coordinator to leave Detroit.

"We have to do something," Joseph said. "I don't want to see him go."

Joseph hailed Glenn's defensive identity, particularly his toughness and aggression. However, he conceded that Glenn would "be a great head coach."

so how do we keep Lions DC Aaron Glenn in the building? @JKERB25 on the impact & his master plan

pic.twitter.com/gVIcVf0m85
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) January 14, 2025

Glenn is a candidate for openings with the Jets and Saints. He turned down an interview request by the Patriots after the organization made a mockery of the Rooney Rule with its disingenuous interviews with Black coaches Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich.

Glenn is a former NFL defensive back who the Jets drafted in the first round (No. 12 overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft. He spent 15 years in the league as a player and ended his career in 2008 with the Saints, where he also spent five seasons as defensive backs coach (2016-20).

The Lions finished the regular season seventh in scoring defense (20.1 points per game) in Glenn's fourth season as defensive coordinator. Thanks to his job in Detroit, Glenn is deservedly a hot commodity during the current hiring cycle.

With Anzalone and Joseph's testimonials, it would be even more shocking if Glenn wasn't a head coach in 2025.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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