Lions to reportedly sign defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to contract extension

Aaron Glenn has gotten looks for head coaching jobs each of the last two hiring cycles, but now he’s reportedly set to stay with the Lions for a little while.

Despite some lackluster results over his two years as Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn is clearly well respected around the league. He has made the transition from former player to coaching, connecting with players very nicely. Multiple head coaching interviews in each of the last two hiring cycles confirms how well-regarded he is.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Thursday night, the Lions are signing Glenn to a contract extension. The deal is not yet finalized, but it’s expected to be “multiple years.”

In line with the Lions winning eight of their last 10 games last season, Glenn’s unit performed notably better. From Week 9 on the Lions allowed 20.2 points per game (11th-best in the league) and they were mid-pack (17th) in Football Outsiders DVOA over that span. The headlines were being way better against the run, generating better pass rush and being opportunistic forcing turnovers.

Contract extension won’t necessarily prevent Aaron Glenn from taking a head coaching job

Glenn getting a new multi-year contract, presumably with a pay raise along the same lines offensive coordinator Ben Johnson reportedly got when he withdrew from consideration for head coaching jobs, is great for Glenn. And he may not be inclined to leave what’s being built in Detroit, just like Johnson.

But on the other hand, a new contract will not prevent Glenn from being wanted for head coaching interviews going forward. Or taking a head coaching job if one is offered to him. It’s not about being loyal to the Lions, it’s about taking opportunities to progress professionally. Glenn will remain a head coaching candidate until further notice, and nothing other than him withdrawing himself from consideration will put that to a stop.

To be clear, Glenn getting a new multi-year contract extension from the Lions is great news. It’s just not particularly meaningful in terms of when he might leave for a head coaching job.