By Blessing 
The Dallas Cowboys might consider one of their former players—though not the one you might expect—as a candidate for their head coaching role.
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is “a name to watch closely” for the Cowboys’ vacancy. Schultz reports that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones holds Glenn “in especially high regard.”
Dallas is coming off a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024, leading to the decision to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys announced McCarthy’s departure on Monday, but the timing has limited their ability to interview certain candidates. Schultz pointed out that the delay means Dallas can’t approach Glenn or Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson until Detroit’s season concludes.
Glenn, currently in his fourth year as a defensive coordinator, is a sought-after name in this year’s hiring cycle. He has already interviewed with teams like the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and Las Vegas Raiders. Notably, Glenn declined an interview with the New England Patriots before they hired Mike Vrabel. Before becoming Detroit’s defensive coordinator in 2021, Glenn spent five years coaching defensive backs for the Saints and two years as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Cleveland Browns.
A Texas native, Glenn also enjoyed a successful 15-year NFL career, including two seasons with the Cowboys in 2005 and 2006. Under his leadership, Detroit’s defense has steadily improved, finishing the 2024 regular season ranked seventh in scoring defense, allowing just 20.1 points per game.
As the Cowboys search for a new leader, Glenn’s experience as both a player and coach makes him a compelling candidate to guide America’s Team forward.