Aaron Glenn Explains Why He Turned Down Patriots Head Coach Interview Request

The Lions defensive coordinator is among the top candidates in this year's coaching cycle.

Glenn turned down the Patriots' request to interview him for their head coach position last week. | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is among the top candidates in this year's NFL head coaching cycle. The 52-year-old has interviewed with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars over the last week.

One team he didn't interview with, however, is the Patriots. Before hiring Mike Vrabel, New England requested to interview Glenn for their position—but he declined. He was asked why during his media availability on Wednesday:

"I've never felt anything against that organization," Glenn explained. "It just wasn't the best situation for me."

#Lions DC Aaron Glenn says the New England job "just wasn't the best situation for me," but doesn't feel any ill will toward the organization.

— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) January 15, 2025

For further context, the Patriots put in a late request for Glenn—several days after submitting one to interview his co-worker in Ben Johnson. New England took some heat for its handling of the NFL's Rooney Rule during their quest for Vrabel, and some have speculated their interest in Glenn—a minority candidate—was more of a PR move rather than genuine.

Nonetheless, Glenn will in all likelihood land a job during this cycle, while his Lions welcome the Washington Commanders to Detroit for a divisional-round matchup on Saturday. Kickoff from Ford Field is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST.

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