The Detroit Lions are facing more setbacks following their upset loss to the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL Playoffs. The latest blow comes with the departure of Aaron Glenn, who has accepted the head coaching position with the New York Jets. This follows the exit of Ben Johnson, the Lions’ former offensive coordinator, who took the head coach job with the Chicago Bears. Both Glenn and Johnson were considered prime candidates for head coaching roles this offseason, and now both have secured new positions shortly after Detroit’s playoff run ended.
This leaves Lions head coach Dan Campbell with a major challenge as he works to rebuild his coaching staff. Despite the disappointment of seeing key coaches leave, rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold expressed his support for Glenn’s new role in a heartfelt message on social media. Arnold, who was drafted by the Lions in 2024, posted, “Couldn’t be happier for you coach, thanks for everything you taught me in year 1.”
Glenn, who served as Detroit’s defensive coordinator since 2021, had been receiving increasing attention for head coaching opportunities, especially after his successful work with the Lions’ defense in 2024. His ability to transform a struggling defense made him an appealing candidate for the Jets, who are hoping Glenn can revitalize their defense after the departure of Robert Saleh.
Though Arnold only spent one season working with Glenn, his development was evident, and his resilience was a key factor in Detroit’s defensive efforts. With Glenn leaving, Arnold now faces the challenge of adjusting to a new defensive coordinator. Dan Campbell will need to act quickly to find a replacement to fill the void left by Glenn’s departure.
