The New Orleans Saints will likely be in the market for a new head coach in the next few weeks, and they have wasted no time trying to find the best replacement for Dennis Allen. One name that has come up quite often is former New Orleans defensive backs coach and current Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
While Glenn, who has become one of the hottest coordinators on the market alongside 12-win Detroit, has been connected to the Jets' head coaching vacancy quite often, the Saints may be in a position to win more in 2025 due to the benefit of playing in one of the worst divisions in the league.
Glenn could have set himself apart by stomping the Buffalo Bills, who have an MVP candidate in Josh Allen at quarterback. In a game that could have been used to elevate his status from a good coordinator to a great one, Glenn put together his worst showing yet.
Glenn's defense surrendered 48 points in a deflating home loss, making his unit look much less aggressive and effective than they do against inferior competition. If Glenn has another stinker like this, the Lions DC may not be able to convince the Saints he is the right man for the job.
Possible Saints HC Aaron Glenn gives up 48 points in Lions' loss to Bills
Glenn's first few years with the Lions were extremely rocky, as his poor defense often let down what was still an exciting offense. If the Saints want to hire Glenn based on his recent success, this nightmare showing could stick out in the front office's mind.
Interim head coach and former special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi is looking like a more attractive hire with each passing game. Rizzi has gone 3-2 in charge of the Saints (and 3-1 when Derek Carr is the quarterback), losing by a combined eight points. After benching Jake Haener for Spener Rattler, Rizzi lost by one point on the last play of the game against the Commanders.
One game will not overshadow Glenn's overall leadership abilities, but it will be noted. Three different playoff teams in Green Bay, Seattle, and Minnesota have all scored 29 or more points against this defense in addition to what Buffalo did.
The Saints may be faced with some tough choices in the offseason, and those decisions will be even more difficult if Glenn keeps making himself a less-attractive candidate.