Aaron Glenn might have a new title now as the head coach of the New York Jets, but he’s not forgetting where the foundation was laid — in Detroit under Dan Campbell.
During rookie minicamp, Glenn opened up about how his time with the Lions shaped him into the coach he is today. From running practices to leading team meetings and building strong bonds with players on both sides of the ball, Glenn credits Campbell for grooming him for this moment.
“I give a lot of credit to Dan Campbell,” Glenn said. “He put me in spots where I basically got to act like a head coach — setting practice plans, addressing the team, and just being involved on a leadership level.”
One of the standout moments Glenn shared? His daily morning chats with wide receiver Jameson Williams.
“Every morning at 7:30, Jamo would come into my office, and we’d just talk,” Glenn said. “It wasn’t just about football — we built a real connection.”
That kind of interaction, Glenn believes, is what helped him earn the respect of the entire locker room, not just the defense. It’s also why the jump to head coach hasn’t felt like such a leap.
“He may not have said it outright, but I think Dan was preparing me for this role the whole time,” Glenn added.
It’s clear Glenn is bringing a piece of Detroit with him to New York — not just the experience, but the culture, the relationships, and a whole lot of lessons learned.