Predicting the Detroit Lions defensive scheme under Aaron Glenn

Glenn’s Coaching History

Glenn started his coaching career in 2012 as the general manager of the Houston Stallions out of the Texas Lone Star Football League. Which was very short-lived as he was hired by his former team the New York Jets later that year to be a scout.

After two years in New York Glenn was hired as a defensive backs assistant coach for the Browns under defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil, who was the Jets assistant defensive backs coach in 2012 when Glenn was first hired into the NFL. In Cleveland, O’Neil and head coach Mike Pettine ran Rex Ryan’s 3-4 scheme from their old days on the Jets defensive staff.

After two years in Cleveland, Glenn was hired as the defensive backs coach in New Orleans under head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in 2016. Payton brought in Allen in the middle of 2015 after Rob Ryan’s version of the 3-4 was getting gashed.

In Glenn’s four years under DC Allen’s tutelage in New Orleans, the philosophy was always to attack, and success came with it. This started with a one-gap attacking defensive front, primarily in a four-down look. Much different than the two-gapping system we’ve gotten the last three years under Patricia, a system Glenn has an extensive history with.

Last season the Saints primarily played in a 4-2-5 with three safeties (two deep and a hang safety) but in Glenn’s first three years the scheme was much more multiple. But, still always in attack mode, and primarily in a one-gapping 4-3.

Does the resume clear things up for you? I know, didn’t for me either. Up next, some recent comments from Glenn himself.