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The New York Jets have reportedly hired Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their next head coach, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Wednesday (January 22).
Glenn, 52, a former three-time Pro Bowl cornerback, spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Jets prior to stints with the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints, who were also reported to have interviewed him for their head coaching vacancy.
"He’s home: The #Jets have a deal for Aaron Glenn to be their new head coach, sources say, as the former NYJ first-rounder lands with his old team. A move now celebrated by countless Jets legends, the #Lions DC was the team’s top choice. He’s thanked the #Saints and accepted NYJ," Rapoport wrote on his X account.
The Lions ranked seventh in scoring defense allowed per game (20.1 points allowed per game) and 20th in total defense (342.4 yards allowed per game) during a 14-2 regular season, despite losing star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury in October. Detroit has now lost both of its coordinators in a span of less than 24 hours after offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was hired by the NFC North Division rival Chicago Bears as their next head coach.