5 candidates to replace Aaron Glenn as Lions defensive coordinator

2. Todd Wash

Prior to landing with the Lions as defensive line coach in 2021, Wash was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator for the last five years of a total eight-year stint with the team.

At its peak, before the talent started to exit, the Jaguars’ defense was quite good under Wash. As noted in his bio on the Lions’ website, Jacksonville allowed the third-fewest net passing yards in the NFL over that five-season stretch. Seven Jaguars’ defensive  players combined for 10 Pro Bowl selections over that time as well.

If Glenn leaves for the Saints, a pivot to an internal candidate would be the easiest move. But Wash is also qualified for the promotion, if it comes to that.

1. Aubrey Pleasant

In terms of candidates to replace Glenn, internal or otherwise, Pleasant is No. 1. He came to Detroit as defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator under Glenn after spending four seasons as the Los Angeles Rams’ cornerbacks coach. Before that he spent four seasons with Washington (2013-2016), the last three as a defensive quality control coach.

Pleasant seems likely to follow a similar track to Glenn, from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator to eventually a head coach. He is certainly getting notice as a rising young coach in the league, so it’s just a matter of time before he gets a bump up the coaching ladder. In the big picture, he’s a prime candidate to be the Lions’ defensive coordinator whenever Glenn leaves for a head coaching job. If Glenn leaves now, the time would become now.