Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn had five virtual interviews for head coaching jobs during the team's bye week, and it would have been six had he not turned down one team's request.
Glenn has done multiple head coaching interviews each year over his time in Detroit, but this year's hiring cycle feels different. In some circles, with reports backing it up, if seems inevitable Glenn will get a head coaching job when the Lions' season ends.
On Wednesday, Glenn explained what he has learned going through the interview process over the years.
"You learn a number of things each year that you go through them, and you try to improve on those each year", Glenn said. "But I think the one thing that I get out of all of these interviews is, man, I’m gonna be myself. And either you like it or you don’t. If you don’t, all good; I keep telling you guys, I have a great job here. And if you like it, and it’s an opportunity that I think is best for me and my family, then we’ll take a look at it."
Glenn didn't directly confirm he turned down the New England Patriots' interview request, but he did say he felt like it "wasn't the best situation" for him.
Aaron Glenn addresses archaic narrative about what he'd be as a head coach
In head coaching searches, there tends to be a tilt toward assistant coaches who have an offensive background. Coaches with a defensive background tend to naturally have less cache', and less buzz when they're hired.
Glenn was asked about the idea that defensive coaches are less successful when they become head coaches. His response surely has roots in what he told teams in his interviews, but now he's made it clear publicly as he cited Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick as examples of successful "defensive" coaches.
"Here's the one thing that I will say about myself. I’m a coach,” Glenn said. “I just happen to be on defense. I understand the offense just as well as a number of people. If you want to hire me, you’re going to hire a coach. You’re not gonna hire a defensive coach. I’m gonna talk to the offense just as much as I’m gonna talk to the defense.”
Glenn is viewed as an excellent leader, and in terms of his perspective on leadership he used an all-encompassing word-"influence." When he becomes a head coach, that influence will extend to the roster of players, 1-53, and likely help reshape an entire organizational culture.
Next. 4 candidates who could replace Aaron Glenn as Lions defensive coordinator. 4 candidates who could replace Aaron Glenn as Lions defensive coordinator. dark
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