It won’t be long before the New Orleans Saints begin their full-scale search for a new head coach. After moving on from Dennis Allen, the team must decide whether to clean house entirely or continue pulling from the Sean Payton coaching tree. Darren Rizzi is the team’s current interim head coach. Under his watch, the Saints have compiled a record of 2-1. Among the names floated for the job, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has emerged as a strong candidate. Glenn, a former Saints defensive backs coach from 2016 to 2020, has impressed as part of Dan Campbell’s staff in Detroit.
While Glenn’s familiarity with the Saints organization might make him an attractive option, some have raised concerns about whether hiring him would be a “safe” or even a “lazy” choice. Let’s dive into the key factors and assess whether Glenn would fit the Saints right as they navigate a pivotal moment in their franchise history.
The Case for Aaron Glenn: Familiarity and Success in Detroit
Aaron Glenn brings an appealing mix of familiarity and success. As the Saints’ defensive backs coach, he played a key role in developing the secondary during some of the team’s most competitive years under Sean Payton. Since joining the Lions in 2021 as defensive coordinator, Glenn has grown as a leader and helped transform Detroit’s defense from a liability into a strength.
Under Glenn’s guidance, the Lions rank highly in categories like points allowed per game and rushing defense. Despite injuries to key players like Aidan Hutchinson and Alex Anzalone, the Lions’ defense has maintained a high level of play. This resilience is a testament to Glenn’s ability to adapt and maximize the talent at his disposal.
Hiring Glenn would also align with the Saints’ history of sticking with candidates connected to the organization or the broader Sean Payton coaching tree. Like Payton, Glenn is a disciple of the Bill Parcells coaching school, known for emphasizing discipline, preparation, and leadership.
The Challenges of Hiring Glenn: A Familiar Path or the Right Path?
One of the primary concerns with hiring Glenn is the perception that the Saints are clinging too tightly to their past. After the failure of Dennis Allen—a defensive-minded coach also rooted in the Sean Payton era—some believe the Saints should look outside the organization for fresh ideas and a new perspective. This line of thinking posits that hiring Glenn might limit the franchise’s ability to break free from a cycle of mediocrity.
Moreover, Glenn has yet to prove himself as a head coach. While his defensive accomplishments in Detroit are notable, transitioning to the top job comes with challenges that extend far beyond X’s and O’s. Glenn would need to assemble a strong offensive staff, implement a coherent vision for the team, and address long-standing issues like the Saints’ lack of depth and salary cap constraints.
The Offensive Question: Who Will Lead the Saints’ Offense?
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Glenn’s potential hire is what kind of offense he would implement. The Saints’ offense has been inconsistent recently, and quarterback Derek Carr has struggled to adjust to new systems. Retaining offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak could provide continuity, but there’s no guarantee Glenn would opt for that route. Alternatively, Glenn might bring in someone from Dan Campbell’s staff, such as an assistant under Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whose scheme revitalized Jared Goff’s career.
If Glenn overhauls the offense, Carr could face the daunting task of learning his third offensive system in as many years. This lack of stability could hinder Carr’s success and create further challenges for a team already dealing with injuries and cap issues.
A Broader Perspective: Don’t Let Familiarity Blind the Decision
The decision to hire Glenn—or any candidate—should be based on finding the best possible leader for the team, not merely avoiding ties to Sean Payton. While the failures of Dennis Allen have made some fans wary of revisiting the Payton coaching tree, it’s worth noting that other members of that lineage, like Dan Campbell, have found success elsewhere.
Dismissing Glenn solely because of his connection to Payton could mean missing out on a coach with significant potential. At the same time, the Saints must conduct a thorough search to ensure they are not settling for a comfortable or convenient choice. The NFL is full of talented up-and-coming coaches who could bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the Saints.
What Would an Aaron Glenn-Led Saints Team Look Like?
Glenn would likely emphasize discipline, toughness, and adaptability—hallmarks of his coaching philosophy if hired. Defensively, the Saints would benefit from his ability to develop players and adjust schemes to maximize strengths. Offensively, much would depend on his coordinator choice and whether the team can build around Carr and other key players.
The Saints must also address depth issues that have plagued them in recent years. Injuries have exposed the team’s lack of reliable backups, and Glenn’s success in Detroit suggests he could help identify and develop under-the-radar talent to strengthen the roster.
Is Glenn the Right Fit?
Aaron Glenn represents both a safe and intriguing option for the Saints. His familiarity with the organization and success in Detroit make him a logical candidate, but the team must weigh whether he is the best choice to lead them into a new era. Ultimately, the decision should come down to Glenn’s vision for the team, particularly on offense, and whether he can bring the fresh perspective needed to elevate the Saints back to contention.
As the Saints navigate this critical moment, one thing is clear: they cannot afford to get this hire wrong. Whether they choose Glenn or look outside the organization, the next head coach must have the leadership, creativity, and adaptability to restore the Saints to their former glory. If Glenn can demonstrate that he is the right person for the job, he deserves serious consideration—but only after the Saints have explored every possible avenue.
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