From the moment the New Orleans Saints fired Dennis Allen, the franchise has consistently been connected to one name: Aaron Glenn. The Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator is a highly regarded candidate during this hiring cycle, and because of his connection to New Orleans as a player and a coach, he’s been identified as a leading candidate for the Saints.
Since the offseason started for New Orleans, several reports have said that Glenn is the guy the Saints want. Additionally, franchise legends like Drew Brees and Reggie Bush have publicly endorsed Glenn to be the team’s next head coach.
Now that the Detroit Lions are out the playoffs, Glenn can be hired by any team with an opening. However, closing the show is not going to be easy for the Saints, because they have another team working against them. The New York Jets, who Glenn also has a history with, is hoping to hire Glenn before he can even make it to New Orleans.
A monumental day: Top target Aaron Glenn visits the #Jets & the goal is to keep him from leaving the building, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2025
The deal isn’t done & there are still some particulars to discuss. But if all goes well, he could end today as HC of the NYJ. If not, the #Saints await. pic.twitter.com/70yHBb5Rel
Jets trying to hire Aaron Glenn before his meeting with Saints
Glenn is scheduled for an interview with New York on Tuesday and New Orleans on Wednesday. Reports have emerged that Glenn is the top target for both openings, so the Jets definitely have the upper hand, as he is meeting with them first. New York will attempt to do something that’s common in the recruiting world, which is make someone cancel the rest of their visits.
This is often seen in college recruiting and NFL free agency, where the first team presents a case so strong that the player signs on the dotted line before leaving the building. For that to happen in this case with Glenn, the Jets truly have to be his first choice.
Knowing how monumental of a decision this is for his career, it’d make sense for him to listen to both teams, then make a decision on Wednesday. If that doesn’t happen, and he instead agrees to a deal with the Jets on Tuesday, New York is where he wanted to be, and the Saints would have to move on to another plan.