Aaron Glenn got an early interview for a head coaching job, but it appears he’ll definitely be back with the Lions.
In a clear indication of process over results, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn got a head coaching interview with the Denver Broncos. In fact, he was the first of 10 interviews Denver has done in their search to replace Vic Fangio.
It has always felt unlikely Glenn would get a head coaching job after just one year as a coordinator. Now, two reports have indicated he’s not a finalist for the job in Denver.
I'd suggest the Broncos HC finalists after wrapping their 10 interviews yesterday are Dan Quinn, Jonathan Gannon and Nathaniel Hackett.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) January 22, 2022
Broncos narrow head coaching search to three finalists: Nathaniel Hackett, Kevin O'Connell, Dan Quinn (per @RapSheet)https://t.co/tZAwap7uLb pic.twitter.com/66sqX1XD7M
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 24, 2022
There are differences in the two reports, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport swapped in Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett for Benjamin Allbright’s report of Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon as a finalist for the Broncos. But the broad point stands. Glenn is not one of the finalists for the head coaching job in Denver.
Aaron Glenn looks like lock to be back in Detroit next season
As he looked to be worthy of mention for head coaching jobs, Glenn strongly affirmed his commitment to the Lions right after the season was over. And with no other interviews for head coaching jobs having happened or seeming to be coming, being back in Detroit for at least one more season looks like a lock.
But on Sunday morning, Rapoport and others reported New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is not fully committed to coming back for 2022. Whether it’s taking a year off or another team making a big move to acquire him, the Saints may have a late job opening.
Prior to following Dan Campbell (a former New Orleans assistant) to Detroit with a promotion, Glenn was the Saints’ defensive backs coach for five seasons. That organization surely knows Glenn is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and there may never be a better opportunity for them to hire him as their head coach than right now (or very soon) if Payton leaves.
If the Saints become a possibility, the question becomes Glenn’s interest in going back to replace Payton. While his leaving Detroit feels inevitable, it’s hard to see Glenn landing back in New Orleans for his first run as a head coach next season.