Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is set to become the new head coach of the New York Jets after telling Woody Johnson he wants the job.
The Jets have been on the hunt for Robert Saleh’s successor since firing him in October, and the interview process stepped up over the past fortnight.
Glenn was the team’s No 1 target and NFL insider Josina Anderson first reported on Wednesday that he has made it known he plans to take the job.
A few hours later, multiple reports emerged that a deal has now been signed for Glenn to take on his first head coaching role in the NFL.
The in-demand DC, who was previously drafted by the Jets in the first round in 1994 and then went on to work for the franchise as a personnel scout from 2012 to 2013, has been in Detroit since 2021, where his stock has risen dramatically.
He was in New Jersey on Tuesday for more talks with the team, following the Lions’ shock elimination from the playoffs on Saturday.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Glenn landed back in Detroit on the private jet of Jets owner Woody Johnson.
It was claimed on Tuesday that the job was Glenn’s ‘if he wanted it’, and that now appears to be the case.
Glenn’s work in helping to transform the Lions under head coach Dan Campbell has made him one of the leading coaching candidates for teams this offseason.
He was also scheduled to interview with the New Orleans Saints later this week, but it now appears that will not happen.
Glenn is already believed to be lining up his coaching staff with Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell an option as his offensive coordinator.
The Jets have held an exhaustive search, interviewing 16 candidates already.
Glenn, 52, first conducted a virtual interview with the Jets regarding their head coaching vacancy on January 9.
The decision will also come as another significant blow to the Lions, who have already lost OC Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, and defensive line coach Terrell Williams to the Patriots.
