Aaron Glenn: If you hire me, you’ll get a head coach, not a defensive one.

Lions DC Aaron Glenn Busy During Playoff Bye Week

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn had a packed schedule during the team’s bye week ahead of the playoffs.

While waiting to find out they’d be facing the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, Glenn and the coaching staff spent time conducting self-scouting. In addition, Glenn interviewed for head coaching positions with the Jets, Saints, Bears, Raiders, and Jaguars. He declined an interview request from the Patriots, explaining on Wednesday that the situation didn’t feel like the “best” fit for him, especially since it was already apparent New England planned to hire Mike Vrabel.

One of the other opportunities could prove to be the right fit for Glenn. At a press conference, he addressed the perception that defensive coaches tend to struggle as head coaches. Glenn pointed to Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick as examples of successful defensive-minded leaders and clarified that he wouldn’t limit himself to just overseeing the defense if hired.

“I’m a coach,” Glenn said. “I just happen to be on defense. I understand the offense just as well as a number of people. If you want to hire me, you’re going to hire a coach. You’re not gonna hire a defensive coach. I’m gonna talk to the offense just as much as I’m gonna talk to the defense.”

Glenn’s reputation has risen significantly during this hiring cycle, and he has a chance to enhance it further with a strong performance against Washington this weekend.