By Blessing 
Aaron Glenn has emerged as one of the NFL’s rising coaching stars, and after weeks of speculation, it’s official: Glenn is now the head coach of the New York Jets. Following an impressive season that bolstered his head coaching credentials, the former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator is poised to leave his mark on a new team.
For the Lions, Glenn’s departure means head coach Dan Campbell now faces the task of finding a new defensive coordinator—something Campbell anticipated might happen. However, Glenn’s move to New York doesn’t just impact Detroit’s coaching staff. It could also create a ripple effect among Lions players, particularly with impending free agents who may consider following Glenn to the Jets.
Reports suggest Glenn is seeking an experienced defensive coordinator to join his staff, with Steve Wilks being a prominent name linked to the role. While the Jets’ defensive foundation will undoubtedly reflect Glenn’s fingerprints, the core philosophy is expected to carry over from his time in Detroit. That means an emphasis on man coverage and an aggressive blitz-heavy approach.
The Jets already have defensive players who align well with Glenn’s style, but it’s only natural for him to seek familiar faces to help solidify his vision. Some Lions free agents, having spent years working with Glenn, could be natural fits in New York. These players understand his system, share his philosophy, and have built strong relationships with him during his tenure in Detroit.
Here are five Lions free agents who could potentially follow Aaron Glenn to the Jets in 2025:
5. DE Marcus Davenport
The Lions took a low-risk, high-reward chance on Marcus Davenport with a one-year deal last offseason. Unfortunately, injuries once again defined his season. An arm/elbow injury suffered in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals limited him to just six games. Over the last two seasons, Davenport has appeared in just six games and recorded only three sacks in his last 21 outings, raising questions about his durability.
Despite his struggles, Davenport remains a former first-round pick with untapped potential. Glenn, who was on the Saints’ coaching staff when Davenport was drafted 14th overall in 2018, is familiar with what the pass rusher can bring to the table. If the Jets are looking for an inexpensive option to bolster their pass rush, Davenport could be worth the gamble.
While Glenn will have his pick of talent to build his roster in New York, his connections to Detroit’s players can’t be overlooked. Free agency often opens the door for players to reunite with coaches who believe in them, and Glenn could be the key to bringing some of his former Lions into the Jets fold.
As Glenn sets the tone for his first season with the Jets, don’t be surprised if a few familiar names from Detroit follow him to the Big Apple.