By Moses Joshua 
New Jets head coach credits his Detroit roots—and Dan Campbell’s trust—for helping shape his NFL leadership path.
From Protegé to Peer: Glenn Reflects on Campbell’s Influence
As the NFL offseason heats up with preparation for training camps, one of the most compelling storylines comes from a familiar face in Detroit. Former Lions defensive coordinator and now New York Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn, recently opened up about the pivotal role Dan Campbell played in his coaching development — offering rare insight into how the Lions’ top man grooms leaders behind the scenes.
In a recent press conference, Glenn did more than just acknowledge Campbell’s mentorship — he detailed the tangible ways Campbell helped ready him for the responsibilities of being a head coach in the league.
“I give a lot of credit to Coach Campbell in Detroit,” Glenn said. “Because he allowed me to actually act in the position of being a head coach. To be able to do the calendar for the offseason, to plan training camp out—be able to make decisions that he was supposed to make, but he allowed me to make those decisions to get me ready to be in this position.”
This wasn’t a one-off instance of delegation. According to Glenn, Campbell consistently made space for him to lead during his time in Detroit — a sign not just of trust, but of intentional mentorship.
Campbell’s Coaching Tree Begins to Bear Fruit
Dan Campbell’s approach to coaching has always stood out in an NFL landscape increasingly defined by strategy and specialization. Known for his grit, honesty, and player-first mentality, Campbell has quietly built a culture of empowerment not only for his players but for his assistants as well.
Since arriving in Detroit, Campbell has made it clear he wants his staff to grow beyond their current titles. He often speaks of his own formative experiences under Bill Parcells and Sean Payton, and it’s evident those philosophies have taken root in how he runs his own locker room.
“He gave me freedom to make the same mistakes he made,” Glenn added. “That’s the only way you truly learn.”
That sentiment is now resonating outside of Allen Park. With Glenn taking the reins in New York, he becomes a living example of Campbell’s commitment to lifting others as he climbs — and a promising extension of the Lions’ coaching influence across the league.
A Quiet Legacy in Motion
Though Glenn is now wearing different colors, the admiration remains obvious — and mutual. While Glenn will lead his own team in 2025, his professional compass will continue to be shaped by Campbell’s example.
Glenn’s rise also underscores a larger narrative: the Lions, under Campbell, aren’t just building playoff rosters. They’re building careers. And with more former assistants likely to climb the NFL ladder in years to come, Campbell’s true legacy may not just be wins — but leaders.
As Glenn prepares for his first season in New York, his gratitude is a powerful reminder of the behind-the-scenes work it takes to develop not just players, but future head coaches. And in the case of Aaron Glenn, the blueprint laid in Detroit may prove to be just what the Jets need.