Now, reports suggest Glenn may take more Lions staffers with him to New York.
Aaron Glenn Poaching Key Lions Coaches
According to NFL reporter Josina Anderson, Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand is already in serious discussions for the Jets’ offensive coordinator position. “Steve Wilks’ name has also come up in discussions for the Jets’ defensive coordinator vacancy, per league source,” Anderson reported on January 28.
Adding to the speculation, KPRC’s Aaron Wilson stated that “many league sources” are confident Engstrand “will land the job.”
The New York Times has also identified other potential candidates for the Jets’ offensive coordinator position, including Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell, Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley, and Raiders offensive coordinator Scott Turner.
Engstrand, who joined the Lions in 2020, has steadily risen through the ranks from offensive assistant to passing game coordinator, a role he has held for the past two seasons.
On January 21, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that Glenn was assembling his ideal coaching staff and that Brunell was a strong candidate for offensive coordinator—if he doesn’t land the same role in Detroit.
Glenn Embraces His New Role in New York
Aaron Glenn has quickly become a hot topic in New York. At his introductory press conference, he shared his admiration for Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
“Dan Campbell. Outstanding man,” Glenn said. “Going to Detroit with Dan, we were at the very bottom. You know what we did? We took it to the top.”
Glenn’s Connection to the Jets
During the press conference, Glenn spoke about how meaningful it was to return to the franchise where his NFL journey began.
“This is where I started, and you can’t write a better story than that,” Glenn said. “This was my start in multiple ways—as a player, as a scout, and now as a head coach. You can’t write that story any better than that. Hopefully, this will be my last stop. That’s how I see it.”
He also emphasized his plans to change the Jets’ culture, much like Campbell did in Detroit. However, Glenn noted that culture shifts require action, not just words.
“Rah-rah speeches don’t change cultures,” Glenn stated. “People do. I saw that firsthand with Bill Parcells. When you bring in the right people with the right mindset and a shared vision, you win games.”
