Pats to interview fifth head coaching candidate in Lions DC Aaron Glenn

Field Level Media|published: Wed 8th January, 17:37 2025

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn talks with the media before practice at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

The New England Patriots have added Aaron Glenn to the list of potential candidates to fill their head coaching vacancy, requesting an interview with the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer Wednesday.

Glenn, 52, has been the Lions' DC since 2021. Detroit finished seventh in the league this season in scoring defense (20.1) and 20th in total defense (342.4).

Glenn is the fifth candidate in the Patriots' interview rotation as they search to replace Jerod Mayo, who was fired Sunday after compiling a 4-13 record in his one and only season in Foxborough.

The Patriots have already interviewed former quarterback Byron Leftwich, who most recently worked as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2019-22, and Pep Hamilton, who was the Houston Texans offensive coordinator in 2022 and held the same position with the Indianapolis Colts from 2013-2015.

New England also reportedly has an in-person interview scheduled for Thursday with former Tennessee Titans coach and longtime Patriots player Mike Vrabel. Vrabel was a coaching and personnel consultant for the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 season, but his contract expired Dec. 30, allowing him to interview with other NFL teams.

The Patriots have also reportedly scheduled a virtual interview with Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who joined the Lions in 2019 as an offensive quality control coach and held other titles until becoming the team's OC in 2022. Prior to joining the Lions, Johnson was with the Miami Dolphins from 2012-18.

New England's 23-16 win over Buffalo in Sunday's season finale secured the No. 4 overall selection in April's NFL draft, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft seems to be moving quickly to get a new head coach in place.

Kraft said Monday that the front office will remain intact and that the coaching search will be headed by executives Eliot Wolf and Alonzo Highsmith.

--Field Level Media

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