By Blessing 
Now that Aaron Glenn has officially left his position as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, it’s time to revisit potential replacements. Glenn has accepted the head coaching role with the New York Jets, a move that felt inevitable after the season he managed despite an avalanche of injuries.
Dan Campbell now faces the daunting task of replacing both of his coordinators. On Monday morning, Campbell told reporters he anticipated losing both Ben Johnson and Glenn. By Monday afternoon, Johnson was gone, and now, just two days later, Glenn has followed suit.
Back in late November, in preparation for Glenn potentially taking a head coaching job, we compiled a list of candidates who could step into the defensive coordinator role for the Lions.
However, two names from that original list have seen their prospects for Detroit diminish. Dennis Allen, the former New Orleans Saints head coach, is now a leading candidate for the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator position. Meanwhile, Robert Saleh, previously the head coach of the New York Jets, is reportedly in the running for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coaching role.
With these developments, the Lions need a fresh list of candidates to replace Glenn.
5 Potential Candidates to Replace Aaron Glenn as Lions Defensive Coordinator
5. Michigan Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale
Wink Martindale, Michigan’s current defensive coordinator, makes a compelling case to replace Glenn. As Christian Booher of SI.com noted, Martindale’s defensive philosophy aligns closely with Glenn’s, particularly his aggressive, blitz-heavy style.
Martindale has a long NFL résumé, serving as a defensive coordinator for three teams before joining Michigan: the Denver Broncos (2010), Baltimore Ravens (2018-2021), and New York Giants (2022-2023).
This past week, Martindale interviewed for three NFL defensive coordinator positions with the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, and Indianapolis Colts. With those roles now filled, his options to return to the NFL have narrowed. If Martindale is interested, a conversation with the Lions could be on the horizon.
One perk of the Detroit job? Martindale wouldn’t even have to move if he got the position.
With Glenn moving on to bigger opportunities, the Lions have a chance to secure another top-tier defensive mind to guide their unit. Martindale’s experience and style make him a natural fit to step into the role Glenn leaves behind.