The Detroit Lions’ playoff exit has suddenly accelerated the NFL’s head coaching carousel, with the team’s top assistants now free to pursue their next career moves.
Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ offensive and defensive coordinators, already sparked interest during virtual interviews in their bye week before the team’s 45-31 divisional round defeat to the Washington Commanders.
Now, with Detroit’s season wrapped up, both coaches can dive into in-person interviews and potentially accept new positions starting Monday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes how the Lions’ unexpected playoff departure has kicked the head coaching search into overdrive.
“It sped up the entire cycle because the teams that are looking for head coaches, the Saints, the Jets, the Bears, the Raiders, and the Jaguars. I don’t think they were expecting the Commanders to win, and for Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, the offensive and defensive coordinators of the Detroit Lions, to be in the mix, to be able to meet with teams starting tomorrow, and they can be hired as early as this week.” He said on Pregame HQ.
A spin on the coaching carousel: pic.twitter.com/wZfkR53tnq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2025
Ben Johnson has emerged as a prime candidate for several openings.
According to Schefter, he’s garnered serious interest from the Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars, with a decision potentially coming this week.
Meanwhile, Aaron Glenn has caught the attention of the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets, while also potentially being in the mix for the Jaguars and Raiders positions.
Interesting developments are already unfolding, as Schefter points out.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ recent interview with Lance Newmark, the Washington Commanders’ assistant GM, could be telling – Newmark has previous working relationships with both Johnson and Glenn.
This connection adds another layer to the developing story.
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