Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has once again emerged as a strong candidate for the New Orleans Saints’ head coaching position for the 2025 season. Glenn, who was a popular name during last offseason’s coaching cycle, is expected to be in demand this year, with the Saints being a likely suitor. His potential return to New Orleans, a team he once helped transform as their defensive backs coach, is gaining traction as his defense in Detroit continues to impress despite several challenges.
Glenn’s tenure as the Lions’ defensive coordinator has seen ups and downs, but this season, his unit has significantly outperformed expectations. Despite the loss of key players like Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ defense has remained one of the best in the league. The team’s resilience in the face of injuries has made Glenn a standout candidate, especially as the Saints, who are unlikely to part ways with GM Mickey Loomis, look to make a change at the top. Having previously worked under Dennis Allen in New Orleans, Glenn’s familiarity with the team and its system makes him an appealing option for a franchise looking to reset after multiple seasons of missing the playoffs.
In his time with the Saints, Glenn played a key role in turning the team’s defense around, helping them go from one of the worst units in the NFL to a formidable force. His ability to develop standout players like Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams was instrumental in the Saints’ four straight playoff appearances from 2017 to 2020. Glenn’s success in New Orleans was one of the key factors that led Detroit’s head coach, Dan Campbell, to hire him when he took the helm in Detroit. Now, after a series of mixed results in Detroit, including struggles on defense early in Glenn’s tenure, the coach has shown his ability to adapt and lead a successful defensive squad.
The Lions’ defense has been particularly impressive this season, ranking second in the league despite injuries to key players. Glenn’s ability to manage a defense without star performers like Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, while dealing with further injuries to linebackers, has only heightened his reputation as a resilient and strategic coach. With the Lions continuing to perform at a high level, Glenn’s prospects for a head coaching role in 2025 are stronger than ever.
Having interviewed for several head coaching jobs in the past, Glenn’s experience and track record make him a strong contender in this year’s cycle. He met with four teams in 2024, including two interviews with the Washington Commanders, and was also a candidate for other openings in 2023 and 2022. His previous interview with the Saints in 2022, when they ultimately promoted Dennis Allen, adds another layer of intrigue to his candidacy. Given the Saints’ struggles under Allen, it is possible they will once again look to one of Sean Payton’s former assistants to help lead the team back to prominence.
The Saints’ long-standing commitment to continuity, evidenced by the tenure of GM Mickey Loomis, could be a factor in their consideration of Glenn. Loomis has been with the team for over two decades, making him the longest-tenured GM in the NFL, excluding team owners with GM titles. While the team’s playoff drought has now stretched into a fourth season, the Saints are likely to lean on familiarity in their decision-making. With Glenn’s previous experience in New Orleans, his familiarity with the team’s culture and defense makes him an ideal candidate to return.
As the Saints continue to struggle under their current regime, the possibility of a head coaching change looms. With Aaron Glenn’s candidacy growing stronger, 2025 could mark a turning point for both the Saints and their defensive coordinator. With a proven track record, a strong defensive mind, and a deep understanding of the Saints’ system, Glenn is certainly a name to watch in the upcoming coaching search.
